Heathlands Court gets upgrade

29 January 2007 -

Sentinel Housing Association has invested a massive £600,000 in Heathlands Court to refurbish and upgrade the accommodation.

Heathlands Court, in Cricket Hill Lane, Yateley, provides 22 temporary flats and offers support for families, single people and those who find themselves homeless in the Hart area. In the past 12 months the project has assisted over 100 local people to access accommodation, and in partnership with Hampshire County Youth Service, has provided the opportunity for residents to gain invaluable support with accessing education and training, healthy living and general life skills.

The Heathlands refurbishment is part of Sentinel's £38 million, five-year, investment programme, committed to identifying the elements of their housing stock in need of updating to achieve Decent Homes Standard by the year 2010.

Work started at Heathlands Court in August 2006 and was completed in December. All 22 flats were fitted with new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and were redecorated. The communal areas were upgraded, redecorated, and given heating system upgrades.

Jan Barron, Residential Scheme Manager at Heathlands Court, said: "Since becoming manager 18 months ago, I have seen huge improvements in facilities at Heathlands Court. The refurbishments have helped the residents feel both comfortable and safe here, and this, together with the work we do with other agencies means we are able to give support, advice and information to help them prepare for the move to other accommodation. Heathlands Court feels like a community and is very much a part of all aspects of Yateley village life."