News

Almshouses for the future

2 Jan 2024

GTC was singled out to showcase its new development of 15 futureproof homes for the over 55s, as part of a regional meeting for more than 30 almshouse professionals from across East Anglia. After a meeting at the William Collyn Community Centre, they visited Dovehouse Court to see at first hand the energy-efficient almshouses already occupied and enjoyed by residents.

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, praised GTC for “leading the way” in the movement by funding and building new almshouses which are built to stringent Passivhaus standards and have first-class sustainability credentials.

He highlighted the ‘cutting edge design’ of the Dovehouse Court homes where residents can live in a secure and warm environment, which has been well-designed, with a communal garden as well as individual raised beds to grow flowers and vegetables.

Latest research shows that people living in almshouses live on average two and a half years longer because they have a sense of connection with others as part of a sociable community.

Ann Bonnett, GTC Chair said: “It was a great honour to be asked to host this regional meeting and to be able to share our journey in creating these almshouses for the future. This visit was a great reward for all the hard work and inspired vision of our Trustees over many years to bring the new almshouses to fruition. My thanks go to them and to the excellent team who worked on the project.”