GORRICK SQUARE BESPOKE BUNGALOW BECOMES HOME

Three young men with specialist care requirements are set to move into a purpose built bungalow at Gorrick Square in Wokingham.

This new independent living scheme is a great example of Wokingham Borough Council and its housing companies developing homes in the borough to meet specific needs. The property has been designed with ease of use and quality of life for residents as the main focus. It is fully wheelchair accessible and features specialist bathroom equipment.

This project has been in the pipeline since the council’s adult social care team identified a need to providethis specialist home. Building work started in January 2020, and is now ready for the young men to move in.

Wokingham Housing Limited, the developer behind the project, has been hard at work ensuring the property is fit for purpose. It is now fully fitted out and new furniture has arrived to ready the home for residents. The bungalow will be handed over to Loddon Homes, who will become the landlords of the property, while support and care will be provided by Optalis. 

“I am thrilled to see this quality accommodation now complete. It provides much needed bespoke accommodation for young adults with complex needs – enabling them to live independently in a supported environment, which is great news. I hope they will be very happy in their new home,” said Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing.

“Loddon Homes is delighted to take ownership of this long awaited scheme, the completion of GorrickSquare is a milestone moment for the residents who will live here and their families. This partnership approach to housing means that this purpose built bungalow is completely reflective of the needs of its residents” said UllaKarin Clark, chair of Loddon Homes

The total development cost £815,000 with some £580,000 invested by Wokingham Borough Council with the rest coming from Homes England and central government’s Disabled Facilities grants.