Havering Council is delighted to announce that the highly anticipated Mawneys and Mowbrays Supported housing Schemes have welcomed their first residents.
The Mowbrays site, renamed Laws Park House, provides a vital opportunity for six adults with varying levels of learning disabilities to live well in their local community, keeping them close to existing support networks, avoiding out of borough placements whilst being supported to live as independently as possible.
The six homes will each have self-contained kitchens and bathrooms, with wheelchair accessibility and level access through to the communal garden, for three ground floor units.
A communal lounge and kitchen is also available for cooking, dining and socialising.
The Mawneys site, renamed Riverstone House, will provide residential accommodation for eight care experienced young adults who need further support to help them prepare for independent living, with on-site carer and sleeping facilities for overnight stays.
Both schemes have electric heat pumps, underfloor heating and Solar photovoltaic (solar panels) with no gas to the blocks, in an aim to be as energy efficient as possible.
In 2017, Mowbrays Close was originally earmarked for redevelopment of four, two-storey semi-detached houses to replace the disused garages.
The Council received planning permission to help ease the general demand for Council homes for local people.
However, when the Council reviewed the demand for supported housing in the borough, they proposed, instead, to change the use in order to help address some of the acute need in the borough and create much-needed homes to support those in the community who need it most.
Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing Property, said:
“We are thrilled to open the doors of the Mawneys and Mowbrays Schemes and to welcome our new residents.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming and supportive community where residents can enjoy their independence, and have access to the care and assistance they need as well as staying close to their family networks.
“This is an exceptional example of how the Council is future-proofing services and homes for our residents that need that extra support.”
Prospective residents and their families were invited to visit the schemes to explore the facilities ahead of them moving in.
Doors will be opened separately for near neighbours to provide an opportunity to meet the staff, tour the accommodation and learn more about the services offered.
Lodge Group Care Uk Ltd, will be the on-site care providers for the Mowbrays close development and Inclusive Care Support Services for the Mawneys development offering support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, said:
John Timbs, Managing Director, Lodge Group, said:
“We are committed to providing high-quality support services for Havering residents with specific needs. With a focus on enhancing quality of life and promoting independence, Lodge Group strives to create a vibrant and inclusive community for our residents.”
Jason Davey, Construction Director at Marfleet and Blyth, the main contractor who delivered both schemes said:
“Both schemes deliver high quality supported living units with energy efficient technology.
"We can see the benefit both projects will bring to the local community in supporting those in need of assisted living.
“The units were constructed on two former compact garage sites near existing residents’ properties and involved engagement with local stakeholders throughout the process.
“We would like to personally thank the residents for their patience and understanding throughout the build.”