Retirement community gets Grand Design treatment

Denham Court retirement home in Batley has been transformed to become more spacious after a re-vamp.

The nine-month project has involved converting 34 bedsits, which were built in the 1970s into 18 spacious and modern homes for the over-60s.

Each flat has been renovated to a high standard and designed to provide modern, spacious, comfortable and secure homes.

All the new flats are up to the Lifetime Homes standard, so if residents have increasing mobility or other needs, they can be accommodated within the new flats without the tenant having to move.

The communal areas have also been improved, with new lighting, furniture and decoration giving them a hotel-like atmosphere. The communal kitchen, laundry and hairdressing room have also been upgraded.

Outside, additional fencing has been installed, and the residents have planted flowers and shrubs within the grounds to give the final finishing touch to Denham Court.

Resident Edward Brooksbank said: “The past few months have been similar to the TV programme ‘Grand Designs.’ What a transformation. The renovation has been an unqualified success and exceeded all our expectations.”

And Colin Jones, said the difference is more than cosmetic.

He said: “My new home has made a big difference to my life. There’s lots more room and it’s not as closed in as much as the old flat.

“After suffering major health problems over the past two years, I feel my new home will help further my recovery.”

The transformed grange was officially opened by Coun Cathy Scott, the cabinet member for housing, at an event on Tuesday which was attended by tenants and their families, as well as local residents and ward councillors.

Coun Scott said: “The transformation of Denham Court isn’t just about improving people’s homes, it’s also about improving their lives.

“Housing has such an impact on people’s health and wellbeing, and that’s particularly true for older people who often spend a lot of their time at home.

“This has been a lengthy project and I’d like to thank the tenants – and the residents in the area – for their patience while work has been going on.

“I think they’ll all agree that the end results are well worth it, and I hope the tenants will be very happy in their new homes for many years.”