Wrexham Council lodge plans to overhaul sheltered accommodation

WREXHAM Council has lodged plans seeking to overhaul and improve sheltered accommodation in the city centre.

The authority is looking to upgrade its Wisteria Court flats to form an Independent Living Scheme, adding a ground floor extension.

Wisteria Court is based on a small housing estate in the Brynffynon ward, close to the city centre, within walking distance of the shops and public transport.

The 26 upgraded apartments will provide accessibility for all and for people who may develop dementia and a reduction in their senses and mobility due to the ageing process.

A Design and Access statement submitted with the plans by Ellis Williams Architects on behalf of the authority, says: “Wrexham Council identified a need for the improvement of their existing sheltered housing stock and Wisteria Court is one building within a series of upgrades within the Wrexham area.

“Wisteria Court is an existing sheltered housing scheme built in the early 1980s.

“The property currently offers 26 apartments as a mixture of one-bedroom apartments and studio flats with two, two-bedroom apartments.

“The client has requested the refurbishment captures the opportunity to change the communities perception of sheltered housing and provide a contemporary, quality independent living scheme.”

The Design and Access statement continues by noting the improvements that will be made to enhance residents’ quality of life.

It adds: “The entrance area has been remodelled to provide a foyer and reception area with staff offices. This provides a welcoming entrance, with a place to sit and enabling more accessibility to staff for residents.

“The communal living room has been provided with an accessible communal kitchen to encourage residents to use the facilities and enjoy social gatherings with each other, their families and the wider community.

“Larger windows and more accessibility from the communal areas to the external gardens has been provided, to encourage residents to engage in outdoor pursuits.”

A new ramp would also be built to provide a more gentle rise to the main entrance from the public footpath.

Six parking spaces, two reserved for people with specific disabilities, a mobility scooter store, and one charging post for electric cars also form part of the plans.

The application will be decided by Wrexham Council planners at a future date.