Fairoak Housing Association announce an exciting development of supported living accommodation in one of Kendal’s historic buildings.
Fairoak Housing Association was established in 2001 and is an independent charity that provides a wide range of accommodation for people with learning disabilities across the North of England.
In early October they completed a deal to purchase the building at 139 Highgate in Kendal, with plans to convert the upper floors and utility area at the rear into 7 self-contained flats for adults with learning disabilities.
Lisa Chant, Housing Director at Fairoak Housing Association says: “This really is an exciting time for Fairoak and we are delighted to have been able to purchase a building which has the potential to create some high quality new homes for our tenants.”
The business which occupies the ground floor premises of 139 Highgate, Thuline Studio-Gallery, shall remain unaffected by the new development.
Fairoak will themselves be near neighbours as their offices and a further 7 self-contained supported living flats are located at what was formerly the Kendal Bowman pub at 155 Highgate.
“The Kendal Bowman was a much bigger undertaking for us as it had been left uninhabited for many years before we purchased it. Anyone who has visited our offices or the flats upstairs has been amazed at the standard of the renovation and re-fit, a standard we are also aiming to achieve at 139 Highgate.”
Fairoak have properties in Kendal, Ulverston and Barrow along with a number in the north of Cumbria. Their operations also extend into the north east with properties in Barnard Castle, Morpeth, Rothbury and Consett.
“Demand for supported accommodation has been very high for a number of years and we have been looking for suitable properties to help meet the need.” adds Fairoak Housing Officer, Kate Forshaw. “We never dared dream of finding an available property so close to our offices. When this opportunity presented itself it was just too good to miss.”
“Kendal is a really vibrant place, always lots going on and great festivals throughout the year. People with learning disabilities enjoy doing all the things everyone else does – going to the cinema, meeting friends for a coffee, going shopping or taking part in sports activities.”
“Living so close to the centre makes it easier for our tenants to be part of the local community and enjoy the experiences of living in the heart of such a friendly town.”
Work is due to start on 139 Highgate in late November, with the development ready to welcome its first residents in the spring of 2018.
Enquiries and applications are invited from persons, or their families or support workers, who are interested in renting one of the new flats. Fairoak’s criteria is that applicants have an assessed learning disability and should have a demonstrable need for supported accommodation.
“The quality of the properties we own and manage is very high, something which our tenants and their families really appreciate.” concludes Lisa Chant. “We are still looking to expand and will always welcome opportunities to purchase or lease the right type of property in the South Lakes region.”
