Barkla Fields

Widnes, Halton Housing Trust

Description of Scheme

Located close to an existing extra care scheme, of a similar size, the client Halton Housing Trust has considered how the two developments could complement each other and offer a wider range of facilities and activities to both sets of residents as well as the wider community, rather than merely replicating what has been delivered previously.

In line with the recommendations of the HAPPI report, all of the, generously sized, apartments have three habitable rooms allowing residents some flexibility in how they choose to live. Many of these are also dual aspect and each incorporates a generously proportioned balcony providing private amenity space for all residents.

Internal circulation routes have been minimised and a generous atrium has been introduced above the main entrance flooding the interior with natural light, veiled to prevent overheating. This serves to create a dynamic hub around which the majority of the communal facilities are clustered.

The building itself, retains the domestic qualities of the surrounding area, with the use of contemporary detailing and high quality materials, including brick with natural timber relief, giving the building a civic quality. Communal heating will ensure that the Building achieves BREEAM Very Good, whilst also helping to deliver affordable warmth to its residents.

Where Is It?

Barkla Fields is situated in the industrial town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire. The scheme sits between a green linear walkway and school playing fields, surrounded and protected by established trees and shrubs. Beyond the area is largely residential typified by semi detached and terraced mixed tenure housing.

Proximity

The scheme is located close to local facilities on Liverpool Road, with regular buses running into Widnes Town Centre (2 miles away) and to Liverpool. Within 5 minutes walk of the scheme is a Co-operative convenience store, pharmacy, newsagents, hair salon and a pub, plus a number of small local shops.

Relevant Local Strategy

The Joint Commissioning Strategy for older people (2009 - 2014) outlines the need to commission additional extra care units across the Borough. Click here (opens new window)to access this strategy.

This is supported by an earlier Extra Care Housing Strategy and is followed through in the more recent Housing Strategy for Halton (2013-2018) available to view by clicking here (opens new window).

The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2011) is the most recent research carried out by HBC highlighting an ageing population with an increasing demand for specialist accommodation. Click here (opens new window)to access this strategy.

The Health and Well Being Strategy (2012-2015) identifies services for older people as a key priority for the borough. Click here (opens new window)to access this strategy.

Facilities

Shared facilities include:

• a bistro
• lounge
• activity and fitness studio
• treatment/consulting room
• an assisted bathroom.

Nearby the other HHT extra care scheme compliments this with the provision of hairdressing & a beauty salon.

Links between the two schemes extend to the provision of care and support.

Address

Barkla Fields,
Ashley Green,
Widnes,
Cheshire,
WA8 8DF.

Scheme Location Map