Pupils at Stalham High School in Norfolk entered Housing 21’s competition to officially name the new Extra Care scheme.
Albion Gardens was revealed as the winning name at an assembly that was held at the school. The top three choices were awarded a certificate and a gift voucher.
George is one of the students at Stalham High School and he suggested Albion Gardens as a name for the scheme. The name Albion derives from an old Norfolk wherry which served as a trading vessel and was acquired by Norfolk Wherry Trust in 1949.
Councillor Alison Thomas, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care in Norfolk and Maureen Dunn, Regional Extra Care Manager for Housing 21, joined the school’s assembly to announce the winners of the competition.
Pictured left to right: Maureen Dunn Regional Extra Care Manager for Housing 21, Students from Stalham High School and Cllr Alison Thomas, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care in Norfolk
Located off Yarmouth Road, once completed the scheme will comprise 43 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom self-contained apartments with balconies. The apartments will be available to rent for local people over the age of 55.
Housing 21 is the leading national provider of Extra Care and Retirement Living for older people. Albion Gardens is being delivered with grant funding from Homes England, Norfolk County Council and North Norfolk District Council.
The scheme is scheduled for completion in spring 2027, 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.
They will benefit from facilities including a restaurant, residents’ lounge, hair salon, laundry room and a guest room. There will also be landscaped gardens and plenty of on-site parking.
Councillor Alison Thomas, cabinet member for Adult Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “I was delighted to be able to attend the assembly at Stalham Academy and present certificates to the finalists and winning entry in the naming competition for our new Extra Care development. It’s wonderful to see young people taking such pride in shaping something that will benefit local residents for years to come.
“This new development is about supporting independence, dignity and wellbeing, and it’s fitting that its identity has been created by the next generation. I’d like to thank the school, the pupils and the staff for their fantastic contribution. Their involvement reflects the strong community connections that make Stalham such a special place.”
Councillor Jill Boyle, portfolio holder for Housing at North Norfolk District Council, said: “We are really pleased to be part of this important project in Stalham. These new homes will allow older residents to live independently but with the reassurance of on-site care if they need it.”
Peter Smith, Delivery Development Manager – South, said: “Housing 21 is proud to partner with Norfolk County Council on this vital project. Our focus is on delivering accessible, sustainable homes that make a real difference to the lives of local people.”
For more information, visit the website Albion Gardens