Leaders view progress on new homes for older people

The event marked a major stage in the building of the two storey, five apartment extension to Nehemiah UCHA's Charles Pearson Court Retirement Living Scheme in Mill Drive.

The development, with associated communal facilities, which will provide people aged over 55 with further accommodation to rent.

Councillor Cooper said: "These homes are an important part of the council delivering on the regeneration of the Windmill Eye area of Smethwick.

"Residents are not the only ones who are feeling the benefit of the project as contractors Thomas Vale Construction have taken on apprentices and work experience placements through the council's Think Local Construction Scheme, to help people gaining invaluable experience during the project."

Residents on the council's waiting list will move into the new homes, which will be owned and managed by Nehemiah UCHA.

Kwadwo Owusu-Darko, chairman of Nehemiah UCHA, said: "Charles Pearson Court is already home to more than 40 older people from across Sandwell.

"We are looking forward to welcoming more older people to the new extended facilities when the extension is completed later this year.

"This development will enable local older people to live in quality affordable homes offering independent living with extra care support if needed. 

"These new homes will be adaptable to the changing needs of the tenants and all of the properties will be fully wheelchair accessible."

Councillor Simon Hackett, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "This is another example of my commitment to provide more homes in the borough for older people in Sandwell to rent."

The extension currently being built by Thomas Vale Construction is part funded by the council and will provide residents with a safe and secure environment in which to live an independent lifestyle in a community setting.