With work on Bournville House, The Trust’s Extra Care Scheme at Lightmoor Village due for completion in early autumn, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Debrah Gillard as Scheme Manager. Debrah, originally from Wolverhampton, has moved back to the Midlands after working in Hertfordshire for over 30 years. Debrah brings a wealth of experience to this important position at Lightmoor Village having worked for Hanover and Horward Cottage Housing Association in Hertfordshire.
Commenting on her first week in post Debrah said;
“I’m delighted to have got the position here. and feel it’s the first stage in an exciting future for Extra Care in Telford. BVT has a great reputation and everyone has been really helpful.”
The scheme itself forms part of the wider initiative being led by Bournville Village Trust to create a sustainable community at Lightmoor where no community group has been omitted. The scheme will offer 59 self contained 2 bed, 3 person apartments and a range of high quality community facilities including bistro, hair salon, gym, craft room, communal lounge and fully landscaped gardens. In keeping with the ethos of Lightmoor, the Extra Care Scheme has been designed by Bournville Architects to offer specialist housing for older and disabled people as an alternative to residential care.
Commenting on the Extra Care Scheme, Kevin Whitby, Head of Shropshire Housing & Development at Bournville Village Trust said:
“This unique opportunity has enabled Bournville Village Trust to build its first ever Extra Care Scheme in partnership with Telford and Wrekin Council and the HCA and we look forward to working closely with Thomas Vale during the coming year. “
Adopting the same style of modern construction as the rest of Lightmoor Village, it is envisaged that the scheme will look more like a cluster of housing rather than a vast institutional block. Early indications show a great deal of interest in the scheme from would-be residents which is great news for Lightmoor and the Trust.