Fairhaven, a leading provider of retirement housing, has completed its Penwortham development outside Preston and was officially opened by South Ribble MP Katherine Fletcher.
The £1.8 million scheme saw eight energy-efficient bungalows built on its existing Crownlee location in Penwortham, a suburb of Preston.
The development was a joint venture with Lancashire-based construction partner Barnfield Group, and it was designed by Preston-based town planners and architects Cassidy + Ashton, which was also behind the original 40-unit scheme. With the additional new properties, Crownlee now offers 48 high-quality, independent retirement homes.
The new two-bedroomed high-specification properties include air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and solar panels to maximise energy efficiency.
Andrew Atkinson, managing director of Fairhaven, said, “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here at Crownlee, and we’re aiming to repeat the model elsewhere in Lancashire. Demand has been strong for the new properties at Crownlee, which is down to a wider independent-living service offering that’s not just about bricks and mortar.”
Fairhaven, including its Crownlee development, owns and operates seven sites across Lancashire, managing 200 properties. Andrew added, “Unlike other retirement living operators, we’re driven by a purpose to help people – not profit. Doing so has helped our organisation carve out a strong reputation for building homes and creating caring communities.”
Barnfield Construction was appointed as Crownlee’s construction partner. The construction firm’s managing director, Tim Webber MBE, said, “We are delighted to once again deliver high-specification homes for Fairhaven. Using the latest technologies in building decarbonisation, the low-carbon homes will reduce energy costs whilst providing a quality home for each resident to enjoy.”
Alban Cassidy, director at Cassidy + Ashton, added, “It has been an absolute privilege to work on the Crownlee scheme, and it was wonderful to meet the residents yesterday to see how well the scheme has been received.
“The new bungalows blend in very well whilst incorporating the latest green technology and a new landscaped garden area. We feel that together these elements have greatly enhanced the entire development to benefit all residents.”
MP for South Ribble, Katherine Fletcher, concluded, “It was an honour to officially open these amazing bungalows that allow older people independent living in energy-efficient homes.
“Fairhaven is leading the way in this approach, and I am delighted it wishes to do more in Lancashire. It is meeting the growing demand for these types of homes and communities as the population ages. A bonus is the not-for-profit structure it operates under.
“I am sure these new buildings at Crownlee will be a success, and I know those who live in them will benefit for years to come.”
Nelson-based RWL completed the mechanical and engineering works for the project.
