Taking a collaborative approach to design at The Courtyards in Preston

Written by David Magill, Associate at Levitt Bernstein, this Housing LIN Case Study (165) explores 'The Courtyards', an extra care housing scheme in Ingol, Preston, which was recently shortlisted in the HAPPI category of the Housing Design Awards.

The Courtyards was conceived as Community Gateway Association's (CGA) first new build project aimed at older residents, aged 55 and up. The brief, inspired by the HAPPI reports, was to create desirable new homes at affordable rent, which could facilitate the care requirements of residents, all whilst set in a welcoming, community environment.

The completed development provides 60 apartments, 40 two-bed and 20 one-bed homes for rent. All are spacious and suit the needs of those that use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Sliding doors between some rooms offer flexibility in the way that the spaces can be used. Each apartment also provides generous private, external amenity through either balconies or ground level terraces.

Jeremy Porteus, CEO at Housing LIN, commented:

"The Housing LIN champions a variety of collaborative approaches to housing for older people - something we have coined 'CollaborAGE'. This case study on The Courtyards extra care housing scheme in Preston does not disappoint. In addition to the big 'C' word, Levitt Bernstein have shared how they involved local residents to coproduce the design of this new HAPPI-influenced development so that it is fully integrated into the community and provides a welcoming environment and haven for neighbourliness."

The Courtyards also plays a critical role in freeing up larger family dwellings in the area by providing an attractive alternative for residents ready to ‘right-size’ to more suitable accommodation. The location in an established suburban neighbourhood provides amenities and public transport connections within a short distance, allowing a sizeable reduction in cardependency.