First key worker homes available at £26m QEII hospital development

Forty two studios and one-bed flats at QEII Hospital became available for let to key worker staff in February 07. Each flat has a fitted kitchen (including oven, hob extractor, hood, microwave, fridge/freezer), washing machine, telephone points, ‘intelligent’ door entry system, CCTV security, along with wireless broadband and satellite TV (at residents’ expense). A further 98 units are due to become available in July, followed by the final 73 in April 2008. Overall there will be a mix of one and two bed flats for one to four occupants, plus one person studio flats, six communal areas and one office. When full, the building will accommodate a maximum of 385 residents. The redevelopment is by housing association Origin Group, and the accommodation management provided by group member and key worker homes specialist Griffin Homes. The appointed builder, Durkan, is employing local labour and offering training for construction industry hopefuls. The phased demolition of the old Woolmer House and redevelopment started in July 2005, and has allowed some staff to continue occupying their flats while the building continues. The work has minimised noise, traffic and waste. For instance, demolition was by a ‘nibbling’ hydraulic claw and debris was crushed on site and recycled. Elspeth Mackenzie, chief executive of Griffin Homes, said: “The new properties will provide secure, private accommodation that is equipped to modern standards with, for instance, internet access in each apartment. Griffin Homes has worked with the Trust and other key worker employers for over 30 years to ensure that rented homes attract and retain the best staff.”

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