Doors ready to open at city’s newest housing complex

A brand-new independent living complex offering support in Stoke-on-Trent is ready to welcome its first residents.

Chatterley Court in Chell Heath has been under construction since 2023 as part of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s ongoing mission to ensure everybody has access to a decent home.

The over 55s facility boasts 113 one- and two-bed apartments, communal areas including, a reception lounge, resident’s lounge, dining room and gardens as well as a laundry room and scooter storage facilities.

The scheme will have staff on site Monday to Friday delivering support to meet individual residents needs and each apartment benefits from a range of support features including call alarm systems, easy access bathrooms with walk-in showers and the infrastructure for specialist equipment.

Chatterley Court also has a number of security features including CCTV, progressive security and a concierge service. On-site parking and electric charging facilities are also available.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Chatterley Court is one of a number of sheltered housing schemes which have opened in the city in the last few years, as part of the city council’s aim to raise housing standards.

“It is important that we continue to invest in - and upgrade - our council homes but it’s also essential that we provide more choice of accommodation for all so we can meet the needs of our residents now and in the future.

“When we talk about sheltered accommodation, a lot of people automatically picture a care home which hasn’t been decorated since the 1980s but this facility is really impressive. It is extremely modern and has everything a person could need – all in one place.”

Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for adult services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It is really important that we provide our residents with the right type of accommodation to enable them to live independently, while also ensuring support is available for them if they need it.

“As a council, we are working hard to create a healthier standard of living for all and I believe this facility will play a key part in helping people to thrive in a safe and modern environment.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming Chatterley Court’s first residents in the next few months.”

Dan Roberts, Operations Director at Equans – the council’s construction contractor partner at Chatterley Court, said: “We’re delighted to have helped to create these beautiful new homes.

“As demand for sheltered accommodation continues to rise across the UK, it’s more important than ever that we work together to create places that residents are proud to call home, whilst also having the support and facilities on-hand to enable them to age well. I hope the new residents of Chatterley Court will be very happy there.”

Chatterley Court is the largest sheltered housing scheme delivered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council over the last five years.

It follows the launch of the £8.7 million, 57-bed QEII scheme in 2020 and Rialto Court, an £11 million over 55s scheme which boasts 65 one- and two-bed apartments, and welcomed its first residents in 2022.

The official opening of Chatterley Court is expected to take place later this year, as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations.

Anyone wishing to know more about the scheme should contact the council’s Sheltered Housing Team on 01782 235675 or via email at Sheltered.HousingTeam@stoke.gov.uk.