Excitement builds for The Maples’ new residents

21 May 2015

Peterborough couple Ted and Christine Snook are starting to get excited as the date for them to move into their new apartment in the city’s latest retirement living development draws closer.

The couple are among the first people to sign up to move into The Maples, an assisted living complex being built and operated by national charity MHA in a first for Peterborough.

Based on Goldhay Way , The Maples takes several new twists on retirement living. Being all rental, residents will have more security in being able to cover the costs of care as and when they may require it.

In addition, the all-inclusive packages cover living costs including rent, utility bills and a 24-hour on-site staff team providing care, support and emergency assistance.

This means residents will have the benefits of attractive, private apartments, while remaining part of a community and having care and support delivered discreetly and to their own individual requirements.

Mr and Mrs Snook have been able to watch the 50-apartment complex take shape after being one of the first to reserve their new apartment in 2014. A few months later they are eagerly awaiting their move in the coming weeks.

Christine said: “We can’t wait to move now – it’s really getting exciting. We went to the site recently and ordered our fitted furniture to go in to the new apartment.”

The couple have been attending monthly meetings for new residents and have been getting to know their new neighbours who are quickly becoming friends.

Added Christine: “I believe there will be a good community on the site. There will always be someone to talk to, so nobody has to worry about being lonely, and there’s help if you need it.

“There will also be care and support available on site, which is brilliant because you might need it as you get on, and I like the fact that I can have a bit of housework done for me. We’ll have a private apartment, but with people around. We’re really excited!”

The Maples will join several other assisted living communities that are part of MHA, the national charity providing accommodation, care and support services to 16,000 older people.

Ted added, “The rooms look like they’ll be a really nice size. We’re also very pleased about how good the security will be. That’s very reassuring.”

The Maples is being built by Castleoak, one of MHA’s construction and development partners, with a relationship of over 15 years’ standing.

Customer Sales Co-ordinator Derek McNeill said, “It’s obvious from the interest we’re getting that this is really something that will serve Peterborough well.

“One couple who had intended to sell their home and buy again, but after they heard about the benefits of choosing to rent, they decided to make a reservation here. It gives people some security in being able to pay for care if they should need it, and the market shows that there is definitely demand for rental properties.

“MHA is very well known for its high quality of person-centred care and support, so residents can be assured of that. The all-inclusive packages also cover things like council tax, building insurance and some weekly domestic help.

“We also have partnerships with several firms that can assist with the moving and sales processes and with local estate agents and solicitors to give residents very discounted fees.”

The Maples is being built by Castleoak, one of MHA’s construction and development partners, with a relationship of over 15 years standing. Castleoak is the leading developer and construction partner to the care sector, which has built over 180 care homes and 3,000 extra care apartment schemes and care villages.

To find out more about The Maples, call 01733 236 308 / 07975 234 204, or email enquiries@mha.org.uk.