A building originally used in the production of classic Hollywood films has undergone significant redevelopment and will be unveiled later today (Friday 18 October) as new specialist supported living homes for disabled adults through a partnership between the council and local businesses.
Henderson House was used to process films between the 1930s and 1980s, including Superman and The Pink Panther, but had been disused for several years when local property developer FS Properties and housing charity Zetetick Housing converted it into 10 flats earlier this year so adults could be placed by Croydon Council into the care of specialist care provider Frontier Support.
The four-storey block just off South Norwood High Street is now refurbished and ready for its new residents, and comprises seven one-bed and three two-bed self-contained flats for adults with either physical or learning disabilities. All 10 flats are partially furnished so tenants can move from residential care or family homes, including two flats that are wheelchair-adapted and have wet rooms and adjustable-height kitchen units.
The block, which will be unveiled this afternoon by Sarah Jones MP, also includes:
• On-site support staff available 24 hours a day and an alarm system
• A communal hub area to allow social interaction
• Lift access
Zetetick Housing is a registered charity and specialist housing provider whose primary purpose is to source and provide high-quality residential accommodation for people who primarily have a learning disability.
Since 2006 Frontier Support has worked with vulnerable adults and those with challenging needs within supported living accommodation.
“This superb conversion provides top-quality homes for Croydon people with disabilities, boosting both their independence and the local supply of housing tailored to their needs.
“This is a great example of what a partnership with local companies and charities can achieve, and we will be looking to do more of this in future.”
Councillor Jane Avis, cabinet member for families, health and social care
Gary Scott, chief executive officer of Zetetick Housing, said: “As one of the largest providers of specialist support accommodation, we worked with local property company FS Properties to develop the flats, and the tenants will be supported on a day-to-day basis by our care provider partner Frontier Support Services. So we’re delighted that Henderson House will be used by Croydon Council’s commissioning team to house Croydon residents in what will be for many their first own home.”
Tony Piercy, CEO of Frontier Support, said: “There are proven benefits to people being supported in their own homes, but it can be isolating to live alone within the community when you have additional needs. We believe that developments such as Henderson House provide the best of both worlds – independent living behind your own front door combined with the space and communal facilities to mix and forge relationships with others in a safe space.”
A video about the refurbishment is now available on YouTube:
