The Regis Gate Extra Care Scheme for AmicusHorizon was officially opened by Paralympian and former Sheppey resident Steve Brown on 26 February 2015.

Delivered by Rydon, these homes for older residents in Milton Regis, near Sittingbourne, were completed at the end of 2014 when the first residents started to move in and replaced a previous facility known as Wyllie Court.

Steve Brown spoke of the importance of creating homes that were suitable for people of all abilities at the ceremony, attended by residents of Regis Gate, representatives from AmicusHorizon, Swale Borough Council and Rydon as well as local MP, Gordon Henderson.

The scheme's new residents are over the moon with the development. Sheila Crayford explained her delight with her new home: “My husband was finding it increasingly difficult to cope at home, he was no longer able to manage stairs. Coming to Regis Gate has made life so much easier for him. And there is so much going on here, I can come and join in when I need a little break.”

Regis Gate has 51 high quality apartments that are specifically designed for older people. The scheme provides care packages tailored to the needs of the residents with carers onsite 24 hours a day.

Neill Tickle, Development Director for AmicusHorizon, said: “When replacing the previous site we knew we wanted to create an Extra Care scheme for the 21st century. Regis Gate utilises the latest assistive technology and is designed to meet the needs of residents of all abilities. It’s just so fantastic to see it being used as we intended. We’re looking forward to creating more homes like this!”

Rydon was responsible for the construction of Regis Gate. Chris Stevens, Commercial Director, added: “There’s been an excellent working relationship with AmicusHorizon and the local community in the delivery of this high-quality Extra Care development to Sittingbourne. Regis Gate is a scheme we are particularly proud of, bringing a range of facilities to promote independent living, and we hope its new residents very much enjoy their new homes.”

Gordon Henderson, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, said: “AmicusHorizon have every reason to be proud of what they have achieved at Regis Gate. I was immensely impressed with the quality of the accommodation and the facilities offered to residents. Regis Gate is an excellent example of how we can deliver a good care service to older members of our community and at the same time meet the financial challenges facing Britain in order to cater for an increasingly aged population. The flexible concept the scheme offers is a model that I very much hope will be replicated across Kent. I would certainly like to see something similar to Regis Gate built on Sheppey. I would like to congratulate AmicusHorizon for its vision and Kent County Council for giving the scheme its wholehearted support.”

Regis Gate has many facilities onsite including a hairdressing salon and a restaurant that is open to the public. The one and two bedroom apartments are fully accessible and equipped with the latest assistive technology.

Rydon is currently on site with two further schemes for housing provider AmicusHorizon:

  • The Orangery, an £8m scheme in Sidley, East Sussex. This development will provide 58 self-contained units, comprising 30 one bed and 28 two bedroom suites, available for shared ownership or affordable rent.
     
  • Alexander Court, a £3m redevelopment and refurbishment contract to provide 38 much needed high quality and affordable homes for rent in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.