Darwen housing with care scheme scoops award

A Darwen housing scheme designed to support people over 50 with care needs has won a building industry award.

Riverside Heights, a partnership between Together Housing Group and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, was named as Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development at Local Authority Building Control’s Building Excellence Awards.

In addition to 85 self-contained apartments, the development features a restaurant and hair and beauty salon which are open to the wider community.

All apartments at the development have now been filled with a waiting list for future applicants.  There is a strict assessment criteria for applications, which includes an assessment of social care and housing needs.

Sue Lewis, Head of Supported Housing at Together Housing, said:

Riverside Heights is designed to bridge the gap for people struggling to live on their own and residential care. The service is flexible and responsive, so residents can continue to be supported as their needs change.

We are delighted that the scheme, which offers residents privacy and independence alongside tailored support services, has been independently recognised as an example of best practice.

Sayyed Osman, Director of Adults and Prevention at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

The innovative housing development at Riverside Heights extends the range of housing and care options for older people in the borough.  It offers residents the reassurance of extra support being on hand if needed, helping people to maintain their independence for longer, as well as providing a wide range of modern facilities on site.

The panel of expert judges said:

The judges were in agreement that Riverside Heights is a stand-out example of top-quality specialised housing with care for the elderly. This scheme is truly part of the community with a restaurant open to local people and a stepped-up care provision for those who need it so they do not have to move.

LABC Chief Executive, Paul Everall, said:

Our building excellence awards are an opportunity for the industry to celebrate good practice. Our winners demonstrate how positive working relationships with local council building control teams achieve high quality, sustainable buildings. Our awards are unique because they recognise how this cooperation improves building standards and professionalism across the industry.

To apply for Riverside Heights contact Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Adult Services team on 01254 587547.