Ashby Court is a sheltered scheme for the elderly, comprising 24 1-bedroom, seven 2-bedroom flats and associated communal areas. It replaced an existing Norwich City Council owned scheme, Foulger’s Opening, that had to be closed because of high maintenance and refurbishment costs.

Cotman bid for the scheme, along with other RSLs. Our submission was judged the best, in terms of location and design, by council officers and future residents. The brief was for a sustainable welcoming complex within comfortable walking distance of local shops and community facilities.

The proposed site at the junction of Ashby Street and Southwell Road, Norwich, had a variety of former uses, including a factory. Architects Chaplin Farrant therefore proposed a white render and timber building with steel balconies and screens as a contemporary expression of the existing semi-industrial character of the site but, in order to match surrounding houses, raised planters and small boundary walls have been constructed of recycled brick and the monopitch roofs have been covered with pantiles.

The interior of the building is light and airy, with glazing at both ends of the corridors and natural light provided via skylights. Any institutional feel has been removed by curving the corridor walls, and flat front doors are set back to break up the corridor space and signify entry. There is a communal lounge and kitchen, which is visible and easily accessible from the entrance to the scheme, with an exterior landscaped courtyard beyond.

The flats have well fitted kitchens with plenty of work surfaces. All have walk-in showers but there is a communal assisted bathroom, assisted shower room and an ordinary bathroom for residents’ use. Twenty-three of the flats have balconies or access to patios.

Ashby Court benefits from a scheme manager, Sheila Moore, whose duties include daily visits to residents. Sheila organises and co-ordinates tenant activities such as a luncheon club, exercise classes, social events and other entertainment. The scheme also has an emergency alarm system, CCTV and controlled door entry.

Throughout the development, Cotman’s Development Director Stuart Thomas regularly met Foulger’s residents to keep them informed of progress, and to consult on colour choices for flooring, colours to kitchens and walls.

The day-to-day management of this contract passed from Cotman to Iceni Homes. Iceni Homes is the development company formed to carry out the development work of Cotman Housing Association, Colne Housing Society and Suffolk Housing Society, all members of Key Communities. Stuart and Chris from the Norwich office are now seconded to Iceni Homes whose main office is in Bury St Edmunds.

The total cost of developing the scheme was £3,287,700. This was made possible by a local authority grant of £2,001,555, with the balance made up by the Association.

The Ashby Street development was handed one of the first design awards made by the Norwich Forum for the construction industry.