Pictured above: (l-r) LHA-ASRA Chief Executive Matt Cooney with Kier Director Richard Charman

A 'top drawer' social housing project has passed a significant milestone en route to its official opening early next year.

The 'topping out' ceremony at the Albany House 'extra care' housing scheme in Pym Street, St Ann's, Nottingham, marked the beginning of the final phase of an ambitious project by housing and regeneration specialist LHA-ASRA Group in partnership with Nottingham City Council. 

The £7.5 million scheme, which is funded by the Homes and Communities Agency and the Department of Health, began in September 09 when Kier Partnership Homes - the contractor appointed by LHA-ASRA to bring the project to fruition - demolished Welland Court , a council sheltered housing scheme of 34 flats which had outlived its usefulness.

Albany House is a virtually self-contained community of 71 homes, complete with café, communal gardens, hairdressers, activity and meeting rooms, and an assisted bathing suite.

The new building also houses a day care centre for Nottingham City Council which will replace the outdated Nuffield House in Carrington.

Even the needs of silver surfers will be catered for, thanks to the provision of internet connections in every apartment, said John Henderson, head of programme delivery at LHA-ASRA.

Residents will be nominated for places at the scheme by Nottingham City Council. 

In order to qualify, applicants must be over 60 and in need of the kind of housing or care that the facility offers.  

The 71 affordable apartments include design features and support services aimed at helping older people lead their lives as independently as possible.

Mr Henderson said: "The topping out ceremony was attended by guests from the local authority, the contractors and VIPs, and - as is customary - entailed the use of an evergreen tree, for good luck, which will be planted in the garden." 

"Now that the roof is on people can really see what the building will look like when it is completed in the spring."

Councillor Dave Liversidge, Nottingham City Council's Portfolio holder for Housing Delivery, said: "The completion of Albany House will further develop Nottingham 's extra care accommodation for older people. 

"The Council is committed to developing this type of accommodation as it provides the kind of housing and related services which help retired people live full, independent and active lives.  The topping out ceremony means we're now well on the way to providing more of these excellent homes in Nottingham ."