The number of people aged over 65 is forecast to rise over the next decade, from 11.7 million to 14.3 million by 2025, a 22 per cent rise. This means that one in five of the total population will be over 65 in 10 years’ time, which will become one in four by 2050.

As such Stafford and Rural Homes have recognised that a large part of their tenant demographic is an ageing one and many are single occupiers or couples currently living in what really are larger family sized homes. The opportunity to house some of their ageing tenants within a new dedicated independent living apartment building, would potentially help with this situation and provide the opportunity for them to improve the quality of their lives in a more suited environment and in a more social context.

The development proposal at Riverway in Stafford comprises 80 new build residential apartments and has been designed for the general needs ‘affordable’ housing market with a proportion to be made available for the intermediate tenure of shared ownership. The building will be managed and maintained long term by the RSL.

The scheme is designed on HAPPI principles, which has a focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the tenant, providing generous internal space standards with plenty of natural light within the homes and in the circulation and residents community spaces provided. Balconies and communal outdoor space in the form of a walled landscaped garden, designed to stimulate the senses has also been included.

The scheme has also been considered with future adaptability in mind as all apartments are designed to lifetime homes standards, and a ‘care aware’ design approach adopted ensuring the development is ready for hosting the emerging telecare and tele-healthcare technologies. A significant renewable energy and heating strategy has also been included forming part of the comprehensive design strategy established at the outset, which will ensure reduced fuel energy bills can be passed directly onto the tenant and reduce landlord costs on the communal areas.