Ribbon cut on Sidley extra care scheme

Housing association, AmicusHorizon officially opened The Orangery on Tuesday (October 4) in a ceremony attended by local dignitaries, residents and staff.

Once the ribbon was cut on the 58 apartment scheme, specifically designed for older people, attendees enjoyed a tour of the new building and a celebratory cream tea in the stylish ‘Clementine’ café, part of the scheme that’s open to the public.

Huw Merriman MP attended the opening event and described the homes as a “shining beacon of what can be done when partners work together”.

He added: “28 percent of my constituents are over the age of 65 and the national average is only 17 percent. So there is an absolute need to deliver what you’ve delivered here. This is a shining light of what can be done in the current climate.”

The scheme features high quality apartments that are specifically designed for older people. It provides 24 hour care packages tailored to the needs of the residents with carers onsite every day.

Neill Tickle, development director for AmicusHorizon said: “We started this project four years ago and have worked with our partners at Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council to create an Extra Care scheme for the 21st century.

“Each element of The Orangery has been carefully thought through and is designed to meet the changing needs of residents.

“It’s just so fantastic to see it being used as we intended.

“This is our second extra care scheme and we’re looking forward to building more homes like this.”

The Orangery has many facilities onsite including a hairdressing salon and café,

The one and two bedroom apartments are fully accessible and equipped with the latest assistive technology.

Derek Stevens, Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex, officially opened the scheme saying: “As you get older your needs change and what I find fantastic is that AmicusHorizon and their partners are anticipating the needs of older people.

“As we’ve seen here, there’s something for everyone.”

Rydon Construction were responsible for building The Orangery.

Mark Mitchener, managing director of Rydon Construction, said: “We’re very proud to have completed this development of 58 high quality new homes

and facilities, promoting better independent living for people in the Sidley area.

“It is reassuring to know that this, our second extra care scheme for AmicusHorizon, has put back into community use a derelict site that has helped with local regeneration and the wellbeing of local residents.”

AmicusHorizon still has a few apartments available for shared ownership sale - call the sales team on 0800 121 60 60 or visit www.amicushorizon.org.uk

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