Peabody's Darwin Court among the best housing schemes for older people in Europe

Tuesday 8th December 2009

Peabody's Darwin Court in Southwark is among the best housing schemes for older people in Europe, according to a report published by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI) report gathers examples of good practice from across Europe and sets out proposals to ensure that future housing will create sustainable, inclusive homes and neighbourhoods where the UK's ageing population will want and can afford to live.

Alongside Darwin Court, nine exemplar housing schemes for older people appear in the report, from countries including Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden.

A pioneering development completed in 2003, Darwin Court was designed to meet the changing needs of older people without limiting their independence. It provides homes exclusively for people over 50 as well as a range of facilities for the wider community, including a swimming pool, healthcare and IT suites, and a communal space for meetings and social events.

'It’s the best flat I’ve ever had.'

Darwin Court resident Pat Kelly was interviewed for the HAPPI report. She said: 'Well I love it – it’s got the security. It’s got everything anyone would want – the IT room, the restaurant, the swimming pool: everything. I’ve been here five years now. Grandchildren come and go. If you have to have them stay for a weekend, like if someone’s in hospital, well then you’ve got to have them. There’s a park opposite – you can take the kids to play. I couldn’t move out of here, I love it. It’s the best flat I’ve ever had.'

HAPPI report key findings -
The key findings from the HAPPI report are:
* The time has come for a national effort to build the homes that will meet our needs and aspirations as we all grow older.
* We should all plan ahead positively, creating demand for better choice through a greater range of housing opportunities.
* Housing for older people should become an exemplar for mainstream housing, and meet higher design standards for space and quality.
* Local Planning Authorities should play a key role to ensure delivery of desirable housing in great places, tuned to local need and demand.

Posted by Kim for Peabody Trust