The Vale Housing Association will be opening its first non sheltered social housing scheme for the over 55s at a new development in Keys Court, School Lane, in Banbury on 30 June. The scheme, built by McCarthy & Stone, cost £2.1 million and includes 21 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom homes, including a mix of rented and shared ownership properties. Cherwell District Council also contributed a £225,000 grant to help fund the scheme.
The development has been named after the former Banbury town mayor from 1971-1972, Richard Leighton Keys, and honours his tireless work for Banbury and Cherwell. The naming of the development of Keys Court was suggested by a member of the Witney housing team and the name was very much supported by Banbury Town Council and the Keys family, who will be attending the event and opening the building.
Another key feature of the development site is that a new scout hut has been built as part of the development which will give the local scouts better and newer facilities. This is all part of Vale’s commitment to providing services for the local community.
Elizabeth Baker, area manager for the Vale Housing Association, noted: “The Keys Court development is a welcome addition to our stock. It also marks an important step for the Vale Housing Association as it addresses a gap in our housing range for the over 55s.”
Councillor Michael Gibbard, Cherwell District Council’s portfolio holder for planning and housing, said, “We have an increasingly ageing population in this district and we must do what we can to make sure those residents are supported. The location, close to the town centre, will be ideal for those who seek easy access to shops and services while having the security of a housing association scheme.”
