A major project to demolish and rebuild Elfreda House has finished, just over four years after work began on the sheltered housing scheme, on Iceni Way, Shrub End.
The Colchester City Council facility, Elfreda House, which was more than 55 years old, has been demolished and replaced by fantastic, newly designed sheltered accommodation. The new accommodation includes 36 self-contained one and two-bedroom flats, four more than previously available, each with self-contained bathrooms, kitchens and living room.
The development also includes shared communal spaces where residents can socialise, including roof top terraces, communal lounges, mobility scooter stores and a hair salon. The building is accessible for all residents with lifts to the upper floors of the 3-storey building.
The project has been managed in partnership between Colchester City Council and Colchester Borough Homes, and forms part of Colchester City Council’s commitment to improve housing options for older people. The facility will be officially opened by Cllr Paul Smith, Portfolio holder for Housing on Tuesday 26 November 2024.
Other significant enhancements which were introduced as part of the new development include:
The Colchester City Council facility, Elfreda House, which was more than 55 years old, has been demolished and replaced by fantastic, newly designed sheltered accommodation. The new accommodation includes 36 self-contained one and two-bedroom flats, four more than previously available, each with self-contained bathrooms, kitchens and living room.
The development also includes shared communal spaces where residents can socialise, including roof top terraces, communal lounges, mobility scooter stores and a hair salon. The building is accessible for all residents with lifts to the upper floors of the 3-storey building.
The project has been managed in partnership between Colchester City Council and Colchester Borough Homes, and forms part of Colchester City Council’s commitment to improve housing options for older people. The facility will be officially opened by Cllr Paul Smith, Portfolio holder for Housing on Tuesday 26 November 2024.
Other significant enhancements which were introduced as part of the new development include:
- Solar (photo-voltaic) roof panels
- Upgraded heating and hot water systems, using a cutting-edge communal system powered by an extremely efficient air source heat pump
- Increased storage with built in wardrobes in the bedrooms and cupboards in the lobby and lounges
- Sensor lights, which are LED into corridors and entrance lobbies.
- A fire prevention sprinkler system within the whole building.
- Patio doors either on to balconies or ground-floor patios.
- A warden call, CCTV and door-entry security system
There are already 22 Colchester City Council tenants that have or are in the process of moving into the new facility. One new tenant said, “It’s the best thing I have done and should have moved years ago – I’m so pleased we were offered a property, and we are so grateful.”
Councillor Paul Smith, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “I am delighted to see the completion of the fantastic new Elfreda House facility.
“The scheme will improve the quality of life for older people locally and has provided the opportunity for many to move into a smaller home, releasing family homes that are desperately needed in Colchester.
“On behalf of both the Council and Colchester Borough Homes, I would like to thank all of the tenants and local residents for their support and involvement throughout this superb project and wish our tenants every happiness in their new homes.”
Page last reviewed: 22 November 2024