We are delighted to have been shortlisted in the Inside Housing Development Awards.  

These awards celebrate the very best residential developments across the UK. They showcase the teams, schemes and solutions that have made a positive impact on communities the length of the country.  

Housing Plus Group has been shortlisted for the Best Older People’s Housing Development award, for The Burgesses.  

The Burgesses provides 20 purpose-built apartments for older people within the conservation area of Kinver.  

The £3.4m supported housing development has been constructed on the site of eight bungalows and replaces outdated accommodation previously offered in those bungalows and in a nearby scheme of bedsits and small flats.   

This is a project which has transformed accommodation for older people in this rural village. It has changed the way that these customers feel about their homes, bringing a new pride and self-confidence.  

Our in-house housing team identified a pressing need for high quality apartments for older people in the popular village. With the average price of property in the area almost £400,000 there is a particular shortage of affordable rented accommodation in the conservation area. 

Residents were important stakeholders in the design and delivery of The Burgesses. They told the development team what they wanted to see, specifying sliding doors for ease of access and a large roof terrace in place of balconies. They asked for communal dryers and washing machines in their apartments, chose the furniture in the social spaces and spoke in favour of the project in a public meeting. 

The Burgesses has delivered affordable, easily managed, safe homes for older people. Fully accessible throughout, it has been constructed to Secure by Design Gold Standard.  

The building is flooded with natural light, having been brought forward onto the road frontage. Every home includes space and charging facilities for mobility scooters and a video door entry system enhances security. 

Photovoltaic panels support power required in communal areas, reducing service charges and making it possible for those dryers requested by the tenants, to be free at the point of use.  

As one resident told the architect: “I love it. It’s been worth the wait!”  

Director of development, Kerry Bolister said that she was delighted that the project has been recognised as one of the best in the country: 

“This has been a real collaboration with colleagues and teams right across the Group who worked hard to deliver a great vision for Kinver. I am thrilled for the residents and very proud that The Burgesses has caught the attention of the national judges.” 

The winners of these awards will be announced in September.