The first mixed age flexicare housing scheme for people in need of care aged over 55 years or younger and people with physical disabilities will be introduced in St Albans.

Bpha Ltd has been selected by St Albans City and District Council’s cabinet to develop Betty Entwistle House as a mixed use flexicare scheme.

It will be the district’s first mixed age flexicare housing scheme. Flexicare housing provides more support than sheltered housing and more independence than a residential care home. Residents live in their own flat but have care available 24 hours a day.

At a council meeting on Tuesday July 22, councillors agreed to transfer the site at Holyrood Crescent subject to contract, vacant possession and planning permission being obtained. 

The council will retain the right to nominate people to live there once the development is completed.
Current residents at Betty Entwistle House have been consulted about the redevelopment and will be offered the opportunity to return once it is finished. 

It is expected that Bpha Ltd will submit a planning application for the site within the next nine months.

Councillor Brian Ellis, portfolio holder for housing at the council, said: "This scheme is part of the council’s project to redevelop its sheltered housing to better meet the needs of residents by bringing it up to modern standards. 

"We identified this site as suitable to provide affordable homes to people in need of flexicare, whether aged over 55 years or younger and physically disabled. It will be the first of its kind in the district."