Since 2004, Ridgeway has been building new extra-care homes to let older people keep their independence and live life to the full. Extra-care lets frail, older people live in their own home with support, including personal care, help with domestic tasks and providing meals. There are also communal facilities, such as a lounge/dining area, hobbies room, laundry room and maintained gardens, as well as the chance to join in social activities. All Ridgeway’s schemes are designed in consultation with residents and provide a contemporary, secure and welcoming place to live.
Expanding horizons
Ridgeway has four extra-care schemes, with two in Plymouth and another in Devizes and Pewsey in Wiltshire. Building is also underway on a fifth scheme in Cornwall with the re-development of an old hospital site in Liskeard into 55 new apartments, including seven for part-ownership. Due to be completed in 2010, this will be Cornwall’s first ever extra-care scheme and a beacon for similar developments in the region in the future.
Working in partnership
Ridgeway is working for the first time with the National Autistic Society to provide housing and support to young people with autism. A new development in Bath will be ready later this year to provide 19 houses for rent or shared ownership with Sarsen and a block of eight Ridgeway flats for people with autism.
St Barnabas Court and St Paul’s Court ,Ridgeway’s extra-care schemes in Plymouth, were built thanks to a unique partnership with Sarsen, the Church of England and Plymouth City Council. Churches which are no longer cost effective to maintain are demolished and new homes and a worship centre are built on the land. St Paul’s Court also includes a purpose-built library for the whole community to enjoy.
Solid foundations
Ridgeway is a member of the Aster Group, a Homes & Communities Agency investment partner. Aster is also a lead partner in New Futures, an investment and development partnership in the South West and one of three Homebuy agents for the region.
Sustainability
As part of the Aster Group we have an environmental sustainability strategy focused on reducing our carbon footprint - not just in the way we build new homes, but for our existing homes and in the way we run our business. For new developments we're aiming to achieve carbon neutral homes by 2016. In 2008 Aster recruited its first sustainability manager, who works closely with Ridgeway and the other companies within the Group to meet their environmental objectives.
