‘Topping out’ celebrated for £10m Extra Care housing scheme in Sidley

On Friday 4 September, AmicusHorizon and Rydon were joined by Cllr Joy Hughes and Cllr Maurice Watson from Rother District Council as well as other local dignitaries to celebrate the ‘Topping Out’ of The Orangery in Sidley.

AmicusHorizon Chief Executive, Paul Hackett, placed the final roof tile to mark completion of the highest point of the £10m new purpose-built development, which will provide high quality housing for older residents with a wide range of needs enabling them to maintain their independence in extra care housing.

The scheme was made possible thanks to a contribution of land and £140,000 from East Sussex County Council and £295,000 from Rother District Council - both authorities recognised the need for this kind of facility in the area.

The Department of Health also contributed £2.3million through its Care and Support Specialist Housing Fund.

All attendees at Friday’s ceremony enjoyed a tour of the building that promises spacious, bright accommodation and will provide 58 apartments and a range of quality facilities for residents.

Paul Hackett commented: “The Orangery is a great example of partnership working to deliver positive outcomes for local people. The scheme is a mixture of affordable home ownership and rent for people who need dedicated older persons' housing.

“Our ongoing partnership with East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council means we can provide a range of services and facilities for the residents of The Orangery.

“The scheme will be a hub for local people with communal facilities including an onsite hair salon and treatment rooms, as well as a welcoming restaurant open to the general public.”

The mixture of one and two bedroom apartments, available for social rent and shared ownership, will be fully accessible for wheelchair users and equipped with the latest assistive technology.

Family Mosaic will be providing an on-site 24 hour, seven day a week care and support team. The project is rapidly taking shape and is due for completion in early 2016.

Keith Hinkley, East Sussex County Council’s director of adult social care and health, said: “This is a great example of partnership working to provide a facility that will benefit the whole community.

“This development offers an alternative to residential care and high cost community care for older people, allows couples to continue to live together and helps to combat social isolation."

Cllr Joy Hughes, Rother District Council’s cabinet member for housing and older people, said: "The significant financial contribution made by the district council demonstrates the value we place on this fantastic scheme.

“As well as providing much-needed affordable accommodation for the older population, the extra care scheme will boost the economy of Sidley, by creating jobs and increasing the footfall in Sidley High Street. The facility will also offer a great space for local community groups to meet."

Rydon is delivering the construction work to the project, which started on site in March 2014.

Ben Finch, Contracts Manager for Rydon, added: “Tailored for the needs of residents, The Orangery is being built with a range of quality facilities that illustrate the future of supported living accommodation. As a Sussex based contractor we are pleased to be delivering another state-of-the-art development for AmicusHorizon that will bring many positive benefits to local community and the Sidley economy.

“Residents at The Orangery will also be able to enjoy the calming landscaped, communal gardens and the convenience of off street parking.”

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