A new £7.7 million retirement living development built with a grant of more than £800,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), has opened in Heald Green.
Smithy Croft purpose-built site on Finney Lane consists of 55 one and two bedroom apartments, all available for rent, shared ownership or outright sale, and is home to 70 residents aged 55 years and over, all of whom have a local connection.
Left: Outside Smithy Croft (l-r) Kathy Cowell, chair of Your Housing Group, MP Mark Hunter, resident Jean Harrison and scheme manager Marion Shaw
The development includes a bistro serving hot and cold food, a hairdressers and a craft room which offers a range of weekly activities. These amenities are open to the local community and non-residents are encouraged to use the facilities.
Local MP Mark Hunter said:
“This is a wonderful place that feels very welcoming. It’s great to have a scheme like this in Heald Green which will benefit so many local people, who can enjoy an independent lifestyle close to friends and family. Smithy Croft provides an excellent standard of retirement living in Stockport, and I hope that the new residents will enjoy their retirement in these comfortable and caring surroundings.”
Kathy Cowell, Chair of Your Housing Group, operators and managers of the development said;
“Since opening in the summer, the scheme has already made close links with the junior schools, doctor’s surgery and library, making residents feel very much part of the community. The bistro, hairdressers and activity room are well used by the public which is great to see. We can now offer the very best in retirement living for older people here in Heald Green, allowing individuals to lead independent lives with the reassurance that support is there if they need it.”
Well planned homes
Each of the specially designed apartments has a wet room and well equipped kitchen with built in appliances. There is also a pamper bathroom, guest suite and resident laundry facilities. For residents who need a little more help, assisted bathrooms are also available in the building.
Smithy Croft has been designed to allow residents to live an independent life in a socially supportive environment. The onsite care and support team will provide 24/7 help and support that will change to individual needs, providing a safe and secure environment and most importantly, giving residents and their families peace of mind.
Photo: Outside Smithy Croft (l-r) Kathy Cowell, chair of Your Housing Group, MP Mark Hunter, resident Jean Harrison and scheme manager Marion Shaw