Peak Architects, in partnership with Sheffield City Council, has submitted plans for a proposed large-scale older people’s independent living project, in southeast Sheffield, to contribute to the Council’s mission to increase council housing by 3,100 homes by 2029.

The scheme, which supports the housing needs and aspiration of Sheffield’s diverse ageing population, comprises a mix of one and two bed apartments to address the provision of older persons’ independent living accommodation (OPIL).

The proposals for all 141 apartments ensure the scheme is environmentally sustainable with future adaptability built in.  The apartments will be built to a high standard, with high thermal performance to reduce energy bills and lifetime home features, enabling any required future adaptations to be incorporated easily and at low cost.  Each property also benefits from good natural daylight levels, sound insulation and private amenity space.

Key to the development is its integration and links into the wider residential community of Birley by extending existing parkland and improving cross site pedestrian and cycle links whilst promoting a safe and accessible environment for new and future residents.

With community at the core of the project, the design incorporates the creation of both indoor and outdoor social and communal spaces. These include a community hall for programmed activities and a café with a south facing courtyard for both residents and the wider community.

The OPIL scheme forms part of a larger masterplan in Birley (see image below), which incorporates the Newstead General Housing scheme, also designed by Peak Architects’ which recently gained planning approval.

Peak Architects’ Director, Patrick Arends, says:

“As with all our projects, it is about staying truly focused on what the design challenge is about, which is ultimately the end users’ daily lives.  The Newstead development is well positioned to further build a sense of community within and across the wider neighbourhood. We hope that our proposal for this large-scale development will create high quality homes through the provision of adaptable dwellings which, in turn, will give longevity and comfortable living for generations to come.”