A ground-breaking ceremony has taken place to mark the commencement of work at a new Extra Care scheme in South Wootton on the edge of King’s Lynn. The land for the site, located next to the St. James Medical Practice on Edward Benefer Way, was sold by Norfolk County Council to be used for the scheme.
Housing 21, a leading national provider of Extra Care and Retirement Living housing, were joined by representatives from Norfolk County Council, Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, South Wootton Parish Council, Medcentres, Healthcare and Community Construction (HCC), Primary Secondary Design and TSA Riley. The development is being delivered with grant funding from Homes England and Norfolk County Council.
Once built, the scheme will comprise 77 self-contained apartments, which will all feature their own balconies or patios. The apartments will be available for social rent to local people over the age of 55.
Residents will have the assurance of an on-site care team who will be available 24/7, allowing them to live independently but with care and support on-hand if they need it.
Residents will benefit from a range of facilities including a restaurant, residents’ lounge, hair salon, laundry room, guest room, assisted bathroom and mobility scooter store. There will also be landscaped gardens and on-site parking.
Peter Smith, Development Manager at Housing 21, said “We are looking forward to working closely with our chosen contractor, Healthcare & Community Construction, to deliver a high-quality building. Every detail of this scheme has been designed to foster independence and long-term wellbeing."
Councillor Alison Thomas, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “Norfolk County Council have a clear ambition for Norfolk – attractive housing for older people which offers peace of mind, helping people to stay independent in their local communities for longer. This development will be a great example of just that, and how by working together we can build homes for the future that recognise the importance of thriving in later life.”
It is scheduled to open in early 2028.