Arun

 Abbotswood, the £11 million Extra Care housing development for older people in Rustington, provides a total of 62 flats for the over 60s, including 6 one bedroom apartments for people with learning difficulties.  It has been delivered by West SussexCounty Council, Arun District Council and Sussex-based housing association, Saxon Weald.

Celebrating in style, residents and guest were treated to musical entertainment and celebration cakes following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday April 26 performed by Mick Hodgson, Vice-Chairman of West Sussex County Council.   

Mr Hodgson said: “This project is a fine example of partnership working at its very best.  But the real winners are the occupiers of the 62 new homes.  I am sure that they will enjoy living here and appreciate the excellent facilities that are provided.”

Also attending was Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Community Care and Coast Protection, who said “Abbotswood marks a first for Arun and it sets a high standard that we want to see followed across the district.

"For the majority of people, the quality and design of the accommodation and the availability of care and support on site 24-hours a day will ensure that they will be able to live here without having to move again and certainly the feedback from the residents I have met so far has been very positive.

"The scheme is an excellent example of what can be achieved when public sector agencies work well together with agencies in the private sector and represents a key action in Arun’s own housing strategy Raise the Roof, meeting an identified need for housing older people with care needs in the district. It is already making a real difference to older people’s quality of life in this area.

"We hope that the original vision for Abbotswood to operate as a hub for the local community can be realised and we will certainly work with others to make this happen.”

Abbotswood, in Station Road, Rustington, is designed to make life easier for frail and disabled older people who want to remain independent in their own homes. Offering its residents the latest in housing, technology and facilities, the scheme provides its residents with a dining room and café which can also be used by the wider community, a spacious residents’ lounge, pamper suite, inner courtyard garden and assisted bathing facilities, again for both residents and the wider community.  

David Standfast, Chief Executive of Horsham-based housing association, Saxon Weald, said  “Abbotswood offers the latest in housing, technology and facilities and is the first scheme in the Arun district to offer independent living of this type.  It provides 62 apartments for the over 60s, with all the advantages of independent living, but with the peace of mind that help is on hand if needed. Abbotswood is a fantastic example of how good housing for older people can be. I wish all the new residents all the very best in their new homes.”

Constructed by Denne Construction, Abbotswood has a professional care team on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, run by Allied Healthcare.  Catering is provided by Talkington Bates and the restaurant will be open to residents, guests and the local community.

pictured left to right, Roger Elkins,  Arun’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Community Care and Coast Protection,  Mick Hodgson, Vice-Chairman West Sussex County Council, David Standfast, Chief Executive, Saxon Weald  and Dr James Walsh, West Sussex County Councillor for Littlehampton East