Housing group Torus welcomed new residents to its latest innovative development, The Maples.
The Maples on Westhead Avenue, Kirkby, a block of 100 apartments for people aged 55 and over, was officially opened by Torus Chair Graham Burgess together with Chief Executive Steve Coffey and Chief Operating Officer Cath Murray-Howard.
Providing much needed Extra Care and supported living options, as well as state-of-the-art facilities such as a Bistro and Salon, The Maples will work to become a community hub everyone can enjoy, resident or not.
In addition to the Extra Care homes, 16 supported housing units and 54 new homes, available via Affordable Rent and Rent to Buy have also been built.
Knowsley Council has funded the inclusion of assistive technology at the development, including a door entry and video call system, enabling residents to video call each other and connect with care staff on-site when required. The equipment also enables video conferencing with GPs and other external health providers, ensuring resident’s health can be monitored without them having to leave their home.
Commenting on the development, Councillor Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “The Maples is a fantastic addition to Extra Care facilities available across the borough. It provides modern, secure and bespoke living options in Kirkby. The new development provides greater choice for our residents as well helping them to live independently. The council’s investment in the in-built intercom system provides invaluable reassurance for residents and their families too, knowing that help is there when needed. The Maples is a home for life.
“The Maples also promotes physical and mental wellbeing by offering residents opportunities to socialise, access to group activities, a beautifully landscaped courtyard and amenities such as a Bistro and Salon to connect with friends.”
As an organization dedicated to building great homes and strong communities, Torus invests heavily in developing schemes which also look after people’s wider physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Discussing this, Chief Executive Officer, Steve Coffey, said: “One of our driving priorities as a group is to invest into our heartlands – financially and emotionally.
“We want all our tenants to feel safe, comfortable and happy in our homes which is why we invest in more than just bricks and mortar. We support many community projects and initiatives with the people who live in our homes to create sustainable support in the local area that residents can access whenever they need it.
“We want to contribute positively to an area and can already see that The Maples will be a vital asset for the residents who live there and in the wider community itself.”