A NEW extra care housing development in Gillingham is now open to those who want to live independently with round-the-clock care and support on hand.

The new 55 apartment development is made up of one and two bed apartments which are available at social rent to people who have care and support needs and currently live anywhere in Dorset.

Extra care housing is different to sheltered housing and residential care, offering people a home designed to adapt to their changing care needs and disabilities and enabling them to live independently in their own homes.

St Martin’s House is Dorset-based housing association Magna’s first purpose-built extra care housing scheme, developed in partnership with Dorset Council and independent care company Care Dorset.

It includes planted gardens, a shaded courtyard and a wild conservation area to encourage biodiversity.

Residents can also use electric vehicle charging facilities and two mobility scooter stores.

Magna’s chief executive Selina White said she is “overjoyed” to welcome the first customers to their new homes.

“As with many building projects like this, there have been challenges and setbacks to reach this point,” she said.

“But I’m delighted with the beautiful, warm and light-filled building that is now providing much-needed homes for people who need that extra bit of support to live independently within the community.

“I want to thank our partners for their support as we’ve worked together to create these great new homes.

“We are delighted to have been given the opportunity through Dorset Council to create our first purpose-built extra care scheme in the heart of Gillingham and look forward to our customers settling in and enjoying their new homes.”

Dorset Council’s cabinet member for housing and health, councillor Gill Taylor, said: “St Martin’s House is a wonderful scheme, as this type of accommodation is designed to enrich the lives of not only the people who live there, but also the wider community.

“The scheme has been designed so it is in the heart of the community, enabling tenants to integrate and feel part of something outside of their home. We’d like the community to meet their new neighbours and share and enjoy the communal space.

“The affordable homes at St Martin’s House mean independent living with onsite care and support is available to many more of our local people and they will start the next chapter of their lives in brand new, affordable, state-of-the-art homes of their own.”

Care Dorset’s managing director Chris Best said: “Extra care enables people to live an independent life in the knowledge that they have care and support available 24 hours a day should they need it.

“People want to stay independent, and we want to help them to do that.

“We are very fortunate to have recruited and built a strong, experienced team at St Martin’s, who’ve spent the last few months building on their existing knowledge.

“We can’t wait for the first people to support to move in.”

Dorst Council say St Martin’s House is an important part of its extra care strategy, as it moves away from providing residential care home places for people as they get older to enabling them to live independently within supportive homes that are integral to thriving local communities.

Set in the heart of Gillingham on the site of a historic building of the same name, St Martin’s House incorporates design features referencing the town’s heritage including its 19th century brick and tile industry.

It is close to local shops, cafés and other amenities, making it convenient for residents to live with independence in a supportive, accessible and beautiful environment.

Each apartment has its own kitchen and fitted bathroom and is equipped with a wall-mounted tablet device to communicate with staff and neighbours, as well as an emergency call system.

There are still some apartments at St Martin’s House available for people from within Dorset who are eligible for adult social care.

To find out more and register interest in an apartment, contact Dorset Council’s adult social care team on adultaccess@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.