A former derelict community hall, in Whalley Range, has undergone a major transformation by Johnnie Johnson Housing who currently has over 5,000 homes in the North of England.
Manchester City Council previously used the building in Greater Manchester for community outreach and catering services, but this use ceased in 2016.
Since then, Johnnie Johnson Housing has successfully converted the neglected building into five new, modern flats for residents over the age of 55. This has been a great improvement for the local area.
With over 50 years of experience, Johnnie Johnson Housing has a long history of providing affordable housing that supports residents to age well and live independently for longer.
Goodwood Lodge is one of many of these developments, which caters for customers with specific lifestyle requirements and needs. The social housing provider also has a long history and connection with the military and is committed to supporting veterans to find safe and affordable housing.
Armed Forces veteran Neil Murphy, who recently moved into the accommodation, said: ‘I am very happy living here. The flat is beautiful and the area and the neighbours I have met are really friendly and helpful. It’s the best move I have ever made.’
(Armed Forces veteran Neil Murphy, in his kitchen within his new home at Goodwood Lodge.)
Inside each flat, Johnnie Johnson Housing has installed modern appliances and fittings and has made smart adaptations to support residents to live independently.
Adaptations built into the properties include products from Invisible Creations®, which was founded to Design for Dignity™ and to create beautifully designed accessible products to help people live well in their homes for longer. The discreet bathroom products include The Mirror, The Toilet Roll Holder and the Shower Shelf.
Customers can also have access to telecare devices from Astraline, which offers residents a 24-hour monitoring service. This can give customers, and their next of kin, extra peace of mind that urgent assistance is available, day and night, if ever they need it.
Michelle Collins, North West Neighbourhood Manager at Johnnie Johnson Housing, commented: ‘We want to help people to age well and live independently in their own home, and that is why we are so proud of Goodwood Lodge in Whalley Range. Not only has it provided affordable housing for customers with specific requirements, but we have restored a previously vandalised and derelict community hall into new housing – it has made a real difference to the local community.’