An unused communal room in a sheltered housing scheme has been transformed into a wheelchair-friendly sheltered bungalow thanks to a renovation project by South Cambridgeshire District Council.
The former communal space at St Vigors Close, Fulbourn - once overlooked and unused by residents - has been given a new lease of life through an 18-month transformation.
The property has been turned into a vibrant two-bedroom bungalow with features to ensure it is fit for the future, including full wheelchair accessibility throughout, a level access wet room and an open plan living and kitchen area suitable for wheelchair users. There is also a redesigned frontage with off street level access parking.
The project was made possible following extensive negotiations by the Council to revise lease agreements and create workable planning solutions after it was found the sheltered scheme communal room building was not being used, and the residents had no interest in keeping it.
Cllr John Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Housing for the District Council, said: “With the help of The Design Partnership, we’ve created a modern, energy-efficient home that meets the needs of today while being ready for tomorrow. It’s a great example of how collaboration and thoughtful planning can turn unused spaces into something truly valuable that serves the needs of our community. This project enhances our housing stock and reflects a deeper commitment to inclusive living and sustainable development.”
The home includes the latest energy efficiency measures including an air source heat pump for heating and hot water. There are fitted appliances, carpets and hard-wearing floor coverings throughout, and broadband provision integral throughout the property. Also included are hidden features such as hoist mounting provision should that be required.
A level access rear garden area is mainly paved for ease of maintenance and use.
Cllr John Williams, a local district councillor for Fulbourn, said: “We’ve taken an underused space and in consultation with users, turned it into a fabulous, future-proof home that’s inclusive and accessible. This is what modern council housing should look like - sustainable, and ready to welcome residents. This transformation is a shining example of how we can meet modern needs and enhance our housing stock.”
The project was tendered and funded through the District Council's new property provision within the Housing Revenue Account budgets.
Cllr Graham Cone, a local district councillor for Fulbourn, said: “I am really pleased to have worked with residents to have moved forward the conversion of this unused community building into a much needed council bungalow, reducing the financial burden of the residents within the estate that were having to pay to maintain a building that wasn’t used, in a village where community space is plentiful. I’m sorry this project took a number of years in the making but pleased to see the project has now been successfully delivered.”
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