A supported housing service in Ipswich has taken on a new lease of life as accessible housing for people with general needs following a £500k refurbishment.
The property, formerly supported housing for up to 12 people with disabilities, has been transformed into a set of one-bedroom flats by Sanctuary Group following an increased demand for general needs housing in the area.
As part of the refurbishment, the five ground floor flats have been equipped with wet rooms and wide doors to make them more accessible, while all 10 flats in the building have had new kitchens and shower rooms installed.
Resident Samantha Jones, who was the first to move in and needs adaptations for her mobility issues, said: “I am very pleased with my new flat. It is very spacious, it suits my needs entirely. I already feel at home and have so many amenities on my doorstep whereas before I struggled.”
Purplett House’s prior residents have moved into the nearby Avalon Court, which opened in 2015.
Tony O’Neil, head of commercial assets for Sanctuary, added: “There is an increased demand for one-bedroom flats in Ipswich and I am delighted we have completed this refurbishment project to help meet local needs.
“It is even more satisfying that, by investing in quality accommodation designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind, we have been able to assist applicants who have mobility issues.”