Palmer Court in Lenton has been named the best new social housing development in the country at this year’s LABC Building Excellence Awards.
Nottingham City Homes and Nottingham City Council’s flagship independent living scheme, designed by John Thompson & Partnership and built by construction partner Keepmoat, was handed the ‘Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development’ accolade at the annual awards ceremony, held in London.
Part of the city’s Building a Better Nottingham Progamme, Palmer Court is made up of 54 self-contained apartments for older residents. Work began on the building in early 2014, as part of the overall Lenton regeneration scheme and residents moved into their new homes in Autumn 2015.
The development benefits from landscaped gardens, well furnished communal areas, a craft room, and a rooftop terrace with views of the city. When Palmer Court resident, June Roberts, moved in last October, she said: “It’s just so beautiful. It’s like living in a hotel.”
The redevelopment scheme in Lenton has so far seen the demolition of five former high-rise tower blocks, and on completion will include a mix of 142 family homes, bungalows, flats and Palmer Court itself.
Nick Murphy, Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the work we have done alongside the City Council and our construction partner in regenerating Lenton.
“Palmer Court is a fantastic facility for our residents and has been built to complement the surrounding area, using our specially designed Nottingham City Red Brick; not to mention the efficiency of the building with over 80 solar photovoltaic panels on the roof, enabling residents to save money on their energy bills.”
The majority of Palmer Court’s residents are former tenants of one of the five high rise tower blocks in Lenton, Newgate Court.
Councillor Jane Urquhart, portfolio holder for planning and housing at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s fantastic news to hear Palmer Court in Lenton has won such a prestigious national award. It’s been a very successful scheme in partnership with Nottingham City Homes and Keepmoat, which has not only transformed the skyline of the local area, it has also had a hugely positive impact on the lives of the people living there.
“The majority of new residents had lived in the nearby tower block, which was demolished as part of our redevelopment scheme. They were delighted to find themselves a new home, which is warm, secure, modern and sustainable, built to offer them comfortable living, with cheaper fuel bills and excellent facilities, as well as enviable outdoor space in the heart of the city.”
For more information on the Building a Better Nottingham scheme, click here.