Saxon Weald opens Margaret House
30.06.2011
Former Wealden District Councillor Margaret Kirkpatrick was guest of honour when she officially opened Uckfield’s new £6.34 million housing scheme for older people, which is named after her.
The 39 high-quality one and two bedroom apartments in Margaret House, Lealands Drive, enable people with support needs to live independently in their own homes. A restaurant is open to residents, guests and members of the local community. A grant of just over £3 million was provided by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
David Standfast, Chief Executive of Saxon Weald, the housing association that owns and manages Margaret House, said: "This is a fantastic illustration of how good housing for older people who need care can be. We’re delighted with the quality and design of Margaret House, and grateful to the contractors, Denne, for doing such a good job."
Mary Clare Deane, Director of Community Services at Wealden District Council, said:
"Not only does this extra care scheme provide much needed support to older people within our Wealden community, but it also recognises the enormous contribution that Mrs Kirkpatrick has made to housing matters and tenants lives in Wealden, during her 24 years with the council. "
Councillor Bill Bentley, East Sussex County Council, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: "This is an excellent example of partnership working for the benefit of the community. The county council and district council have worked with Saxon Weald, who manage the development, and Housing 21, who provide the care, to open Margaret House successfully.
"It is just the latest joint project and we can look forward to further developments in other parts of the county, which will provide quality care for the elderly and vulnerable in East Sussex."
Helen Burton, Area Manager for the HCA, said: "The HCA is very proud to have been able to support this project. It provides extremely attractive, practical and homely surrounding for the over sixties, and has many specialist features from which residents can benefit. It is a great asset for the local community."
For more information contact Francesca Nelson, Communications Manager
Telephone: 01403 226012 or email: francesca.nelson@saxonweald.com
Saxon Weald House, 38-42 Worthing Road, Horsham, RH12 1DT
Mobile on day: 07989 746556
Notes for editors: Saxon Weald is a housing association, formed in December 2000, based in Horsham, West Sussex. We own approximately 5600 homes across Sussex and Hampshire.
