Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland largest housing associations has officially completed their refurbishment programme for their sheltered living scheme – St Bronagh’s, located in Rostrevor. The scope of works included brand new kitchens, upgrades to communal areas and a range of fire safety measures in line with new standards
The scheme, which has been at the heart of picturesque Rostrevor village for more than 35 years is home to 40 residents who enjoy sheltered living with a close-knit community which includes social communal areas and a scheme support team.
The refurbishment project included vital consultation and engagement with tenants began in July 2023 and was completed this month. It forms part of the housing associations’ Asset Management Strategy which aims to invest £52m from 2024-2027. This Planned Maintenance Programme will see schemes right across Northern Ireland get a range of upgrades and improvements to ensure a high-quality standard of living is sustained.
The scheme has also adopted a new Dementia friendly design aimed at supporting tenants to continue to live independently and feel safe and secure in their homes. Bright and colour coded doors, for example, has proven to enhance a person’s environment and help them with their surroundings. Changing plain colours into a brighter environment aids navigation and triggers reminiscence for residents suffering from Dementia.
Andrew Lamont, Head of Planned Maintenance at Choice said,“The upgrade project at St Bronagh’s is more than a physical refurbishment of the space, it demonstrates a commitment from Choice to continuously invest in our existing homes. With all of these projects, we work with our tenants to ensure that we deliver upgrades with minimal interruption but that will ultimately improve their living environment.
“We believe passionately in building and supporting thriving local communities, which have quality housing and effective support services for tenants at its heart. Choice is investing heavily in the upgrading and repurposing of our existing properties, that not only maximises the space available but also breathes new life into older buildings that have a positive role to play in the local community.”
Working with local facilities management company CTS, the full scope of works included, communal Internal redecoration, emergency lighting upgrade, communal flooring replacement, internal lighting upgrades, kitchen replacements, communal kitchen replacement and fire stopping and internal fire door replacement.
Mr Daniel Robertson, tenant at St Bronagh’s is very pleased with the quality of the upgrades,
“Residents were able to choose the design and décor of their kitchens, and the quality of the upgrades, both internally and externally are excellent. I was particularly pleased that broadband access was brought straight to the door of each of the apartments, meaning faster internet access which I very much welcome.”
