First residents settle into life at Gladstone House

The first residents of Newark’s Gladstone House — a £8.9m development providing homes for the over-60s — say it is an amazing place.

Mr Cyril Burgess, 77, and his wife, Jean, 85, said they needed to move from their previous accommodation in the town because it was too small and they felt isolated.

They moved into their two-bedroom apartment two weeks ago.

“We are thrilled,” said Mrs Burgess.

“We feel so lucky to have come here and have already made lots of friends.”

The accommodation is ideal for them. Cyril is a keen artist so plans to be a regular in the hobby room, and Jean said she loved the idea that there was a hairdressers on site and a cinema room.

“We have a balcony so we can sit outside,” said Mrs Burgess.

“It is perfect for us. It is amazing.”

Heather Whitehouse, 77, also moved in two weeks ago and said she liked the idea that there was someone on hand if there were any problems.

“I feel in safe hands,” she said.

Blanche Sterling, 74, and her husband, Tony, 77, have moved from Elston. Tony has health problems and Blanche said they needed somewhere that could offer them more support.

“This is a lifeline for us,” she said.

“It is lovely that there are more people around because you can feel isolated. I really couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Gladstone House allows people to live independently with support when needed. Care staff are always on site.

The facility, off Bowbridge Road, is a joint venture involving Newark and Sherwood District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Newark and Sherwood Homes and Homes England.

Studio-G Associates, based in Collingham, carried out the initial design work, and worked alongside contractors Henry Boot Construction.

Partner and architect Mr Noel Barrowclough said the building was intended to allow safe independent living for the elderly and to be dementia-friendly.

“It has been designed as a series of small lanes connecting into a village square around which a small community can develop,” he said.

Facilities include a hair and beauty salon, coffee bar, restaurant and lounge areas, a hobbies room, laundrette and cinema room. There are two guest rooms that families can rent.

It has south-facing garden spaces with sensory gardens and plenty of outdoor seating.

There is a therapy room and two specialist assisted bathrooms for those with mobility problems.

The three-storey building has two wings containing 60 apartments. Each has a kitchen and living area, along with a wet room with a wash and dry toilet.

Eight apartments will be used for people who have been discharged from hospital and need time to have their needs assessed before returning home.

The corridors are painted in different colours and have themed pictures — agriculture, Newark town centre, Southwell and the River Trent.

The leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Mr Roger Blaney, said it was fabulous with a real wow factor.

“I would be amazed if people did not enjoy living in one of these,” he said.

Lynn Clayton, chairman of Newark and Sherwood Homes, said everyone involved had done a fantastic job.

“When I first walked in I could have cried. It has surpassed everything,” she said.

“We are proud of this building and proud to manage it and make it a success.”

Mr Stuart Wallace, chairman of the county council’s adult social care and public health committee, said it was a superb building and a great design.

“This accommodation is for people who are not ready to go into care,” he said.

“They have their own key and do their own cooking, but they can always come down and enjoy the facilities."