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Oaklands extra care scheme transforms lives for residents

Residents have settled into a landmark housing scheme, providing 36 one and two-bedroom apartments for older people at Wilbraham Road, Fallowfield in Manchester.

Oaklands extra care facility, designed by BTP Architects for Onward Homes, offers much needed homes for affordable rent, which include wraparound assistance and care to meet a wide range of needs. The scheme supports independent living and allows for care package alterations for changing needs, including for individuals living with dementia.

BTP were selected to deliver the state-of-the art complex because of their longstanding expertise in creating innovative homes for older people. Every element of the project was planned in line with HAPPI principles – which guide best practice in older people’s housing design.

Light and heating within the building replicate daylight hours to fit with the body clocks of residents, and the building has been carefully designed to ensure that it is easy to navigate around.

The development replaces a former sheltered housing scheme, which was no longer fit for purpose. Initial discussions had considered whether to renovate the previous scheme, but the decision was taken to develop a modern scheme, which offers high quality accommodation and meets a wider range of needs.

Victoria Saunders, Managing Director at BTP, said: “This was a complex and ambitious development, and it is fantastic to see that it is now so full of life.

“We worked extensively to ensure that the facility was designed with the specific needs of older individuals in mind, and we are proud to have played a part in creating a safe and comfortable environment for them to call home.

“These is an increasing demand for extra care facilities in urban areas, often on constrained sites, which offer a number of challenges. Schemes like Oaklands demonstrate that it is possible to provide sympathetic developments, which seamlessly integrate with the wider community.”

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