The bungalows, which are set to be finished by autumn 2021, will replace the current charitable housing for local people, known as almhouses, at Thomas Parsons Square in the city and will help residents stay in the accommodation for longer.
To remain in almhouses, residents must demonstrate they can live independently, and the new bungalows have been designed with that in mind, with step free access, convenient internal layouts and high levels of insulation.
The almhouses will also come with digital and satellite TV, broadband connection and storage for electric chairs and buggies with charging points.
The decision to relocate residents was made following a long-term review by the Governors of the charity. They deemed that, because of its Grade II Listed status, sufficient adaptions to Thomas Parsons Square could not be made to the properties to help residents maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Thomas Parsons Square will be retained by the charity and a decision on its future use will be made in due course.
David Brand, Chairman, of the Thomas Parsons Charity, which was founded in 1497, said:
“The governors all felt that building new almhouses that were specifically designed for older people would greatly benefit residents and the fact is we could not do that with Thomas Parsons Square, because of the constraints of the building having listed status.
“The residents needs are of paramount concern to the governors of Thomas Parsons Charity and we look forward to welcoming the residents after the Almhouses once they have been built.”
Jonathan Stiff, Director at Cheffins which manages the properties says: “The move to Deacons Lane will help to ensure that residents of the almhouses have accommodation which is fit-for-purpose and allows every person to have as much independence as possible. Thomas Parsons Square will continue to be owned by the charity and will remain a feature in Ely city life. The charity intends to make the move as easy as possible for residents with removal costs paid by the charity, the provision of a parking space for each house, all new white goods to be fitted and supplied and regular communication with every resident on the progress of the build of the new properties.”