Social Housing Scheme

Central & Cecil, a charitable provider of homes and care for the elderly, sought to replace outdated and institutional bed sit accommodation with an engaging apartment based scheme.  The result will be a pioneering development which responds to the issues of an ageing population.  The existing residents were also closely involved throughout the design process.

Julia Ashley, Chief Executive of Central & Cecil said, “The development will offer a fantastic opportunity to provide high quality housing and inspirational environments for our residents.”

The accommodation will provide 156 one and two bed homes for over 55s living as well as incorporating flexibility for additional care accommodation for those in need of support.  Clusters of apartments can be readily converted to support dementia, allowing residents to remain in familiar surroundings as their needs change.

David McMahon, associate at Ryder said, “The project has been incredibly progressive, integrating the existing residents into the design process has resulted in the creation of environments which will truly meet their needs for years to come.”

Plans for the project, located adjacent to Regent’s Park and Lord’s Cricket Ground, will also include flexible cluster arrangements which will enable independent living apartments to adapt to care clusters. This will ensure that residents are able to remain part of the community regardless of their care need.

The additional new building will present itself on an urban piazza capable of hosting public interaction, art and local activity and allowing residents to visually participate in the outside world.  Shared resident facilities will include a café, flexible activity space, roof gardens and terraces.

All of the design responses were borne from a vision to engender relationships and promote incidental meeting opportunities – important when the targeted resident demographic may require more care and support.

Andy Costa, director of Ryder’s London team said, “Strategic and research based design solutions are part of our approach.  Lodge Road will offer an environment that allows residents to be engaged rather than isolated.”

It is envisaged that demolition onsite will commence later this year with construction set for Spring 2017.