The first phase of a mixed-use independent living scheme in Houghton Regis Bedfordshire reaches completion

Stephen George + Partners LLP (SGP) is celebrating the delivery of the first phase of a mixed-use Independent Living scheme in Houghton Regis in Bedfordshire comprising 168 apartments. The First phase sees the completion of one- and two-bedroom apartments. Four floors of apartments look out over the High Street. Many of the apartments look out over a large rooftop garden. The apartments are a mix of rented and shared ownership and will deliver a significant increase in the number of independent living apartments in the locality.

Explains Peter Brown, Studio Director: “We are appointed by our client, Vistry Partnerships East Midlands, who have worked closely with Central Bedfordshire Council and their stakeholders to deliver this new independent living community. New retail units will extend the existing High Street frontage, adding vibrancy and activity to the street, complemented with community spaces, a restaurant and bar and multi-purpose meeting rooms. On the top floor, a residents’ lounge and library provide picturesque views of All Saint’s Parish Church.

Each apartment is airy and welcoming with excellent natural light. All have generous external balconies providing private outdoor space and, every kitchen has a window which looks out onto the circulation corridor, to provide interest and develop a sense of community and engagement. All the apartments have wet rooms and can be adapted with infrastructure and access for hoists to future-proof them against whatever the resident might need. Guests are also welcome and the building includes four en-suite guest suites for hire.

Continues Peter: “We are building the development in phases so that the residents of Red House Court, an existing older living scheme on-site, can be relocated to the new building with the minimum of upheaval. Phase 2 will see the completion of another 57 apartments.

The second phase will also include a reablement suite with treatment and craft rooms to support people who are recovering from medical issues to regain their range of physical movements and ability to be independent”.

Concludes Peter: “This development has the latest independent living facilities and amenities, in surroundings that promote inclusion and a strong sense of community.

All Saint’s View is the latest addition to SGP’s work in the later living and mixed-use development sectors. It follows on from the practice’s Lawley Extra Care development for Sanctuary Housing, which contained 60 apartments plus retail units, and the Beacon Centre for the Blind in Wolverhampton which mixed 71 residential apartments with a day centre and administrative offices for the charity.

Phase 2 is due on site soon and is expected to complete in early 2023.