Tenants at York Place in Dereham recently celebrated their sheltered housing scheme’s 40th birthday.
The scheme’s longest-standing resident, Ann Chamberlain (94), who moved into York Place in 1988, cut a special birthday cake with Michael Newey, Chief Executive.
Addressing tenants and members who gathered to celebrate over pizza, Michael Newey said:
Back in 1982, York Place was ahead of its time. Building a scheme so close to the town centre, just off the High Street, was quite unusual.
But there is a model here for living, not just in terms of sheltered housing. As towns have to reinvent themselves, bringing people back living in town centres seems such a sensible idea. There is a model here that other communities in Norfolk and further afield could really learn from.
Michael Newey, Chief Executive, Broadland Housing Association
Tenant Ann Chamberlain said that York Place was a great place to live.
It has a proper sense of community. We are one big happy family. It’s nice and near the town centre – I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Ann Chamberlain, York Place’s longest-standing tenant
Broadland built York Place, which is situated right in the town centre off Becclesgate, in the early 1980s.
The scheme offers independent living for the over-55s. In 2018 it was expanded to add 6 new flats, 2 shared ownership bungalows and a new landscaped communal garden. It now has 53 one-bedroom flats and bungalows.
There is a lively social programme at York Place, with an active social club, coffee mornings, bingo and games evenings, and regular activities and outings.
Find out more about York Place.