Midlands Housing Association Nehemiah Housing Association welcomed Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz to their newly refurbished and extended Nehemiah Court retirement scheme in Caldmore, Walsall, on Friday 1 October to celebrate the scheme’s transformation.
The newly extended and refurbished retirement scheme was officially opened by Valerie Vaz MP who unveiled a plaque to mark the scheme’s upgrade and planted a tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative and the ‘Plant A Tree For The Jubilee’ scheme.
The retirement complex of 34 flats, first opened in 2002 and during 2020/21, Nehemiah Court underwent a £1million refurbishment programme that included the renovation of all the communal areas and a two-storey extension.
“We were so excited about the celebrations on Friday to mark the refurbishment of one of our key retirement schemes and to also celebrate the start of Black History Month,” says Llewellyn Graham, Nehemiah Housing Association Chief Executive. “We were delighted and honoured to be joined on the day by Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz, who officially opened the newly refurbished areas and extension at Nehemiah Court.”
The refurbishment of Nehemiah Court has included an extension to the upper floors to increase the lift space and add extra internal corridors. The lounge and office facilities have also been relocated as part of the changes. On the lower ground floor, the unused kitchen and lounge have been converted into three flats and a scooter store room, and an unused staff room has been converted into a fourth new flat.
During the transformation, the internal bin store was moved to create a designated bin store area and the car park was reconfigured to allow for greater security with fob access. The internal corridors were all fitted with extra lighting and the fire alarm system was upgraded.
Llewellyn adds: “All the improvements we’ve made as part of the refurbishment project mean we can now provide more independent and assisted care living to residents from the Walsall area.
“The celebrations on the 1st of October provided an opportunity to reveal all the changes and upgrades we’ve made. All our tenants and even some of their family members joined in the celebrations and were treated to afternoon tea with Valerie Vaz MP.
“We’re proud of all our innovative retirement schemes as they enable better health, wellbeing and lifestyle for the residents thanks to the flats being affordable and comfortable and part of a supportive community with plenty of onsite facilities.”
