New extra care housing development officially opened in East Grinstead

A new Extra Care housing development that offers greater independence and round-the-clock assistance to people with care needs, disabilities or limited mobility has been officially opened in East Grinstead.

Staff and residents at Lingfield Lodge were joined by guests from partner organisations to celebrate the opening of the new development which offers 49 modern, self-contained one and two-bedroom flats, with 24-hour on-site care and support services available to those who need them.

The development is owned and managed by Eldon Housing Association, in partnership with West Sussex County Council, Mid Sussex District Council, Homes England and Unity Trust Bank.

West Sussex County Council invested £960,000 in the redevelopment of the site on London Road.

Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “It was nearly two years ago when I was here to see the first spade put into the ground at the start of the build, so I’m delighted to have been invited back to see just what a fantastic development has been created.

“We know from the feedback we have received that most people want to stay in their own home wherever possible, even when they might need some extra care or support. That’s why giving people this opportunity is one of the key priorities in our new adult social care strategy.

“Lingfield Lodge is a brilliant example of how Extra Care housing can offer people the chance to live in their own self-contained home, with the independence to come and go as they please, but with the reassurance that they have facilities on site and care available whenever they need it.”

The site also boasts on-site catering and laundry services, as well as facilities for visiting hairdressers, barbers, manicurists and other treatment providers.

The landscaped communal gardens provide a quiet outdoor space, as well as facilities which some green fingered residents are already putting to good use by growing their own plants and vegetables.

“I was so pleased to hear just how happy those who have already moved in are, and I hope we’ll see many more developments just like this offering similar opportunities to people across the whole of the county,” added Councillor Jupp.

Hony Premlal, Eldon Housing’s Board Chair, said: “I’m thrilled that we have reached this exciting milestone in East Grinstead. Lingfield Lodge is a fantastic, state of the art Extra Care housing development constructed to the highest standards.

“Extra Care plays a pivotal role in giving people independence, health, wellbeing and happiness, really adding to the overall quality of life for those who live here. Our scheme offers an excellent way for people to stay in their local area and maintain their independence whilst being able to access care and support.

“We thank the teams at West Sussex County Council and Mid Sussex District Council, plus Homes England and Unity Trust Bank, for their unwavering support throughout this project.”

Councillor Robert Salisbury, Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning said: “Lingfield Lodge is a fantastic addition to East Grinstead, providing high quality, secure and accessible housing for older people with specific care needs.

“In Mid Sussex, like many parts of the UK, we have an ageing population, and there is a clear need for new facilities that help our older residents to continue living independent lives. Lingfield Lodge is a fine example of accommodation that provides both freedom and support to our residents in later life.”