Choice Housing Marks 40th Anniversary of Medway Court

L-R Paula Kelly (Scheme Co-Ordinator at Medway Court), Dorothy Robinson (Choice Tenant) and Michelle McAnespy (Choice Regional Head of Tenant and Client Services).

Residents and staff came together to mark the 40th anniversary of Medway Court, a sheltered living scheme in the heart of East Belfast.

Located just off the Newtownards Road, Medway Court was opened on 28th April 1983 by former Lord Mayor of Belfast Tom Patton. The scheme is designed to provide independent living for older people with support available when needed.

A lively celebration took place, reflecting on the past 40 years and how much has changed in that time. Flowers were presented to the longest standing resident Dorothy Robinson, who made her home at Medway Court 19 years ago, back in 2004.

Choice provides a mix of supported, sheltered and general needs housing in Northern Ireland, providing over 12,000 homes across the region, with over 5,000 in the Belfast City Council area.  Since 2018, Choice has invested over £66m in new social housing provision in Belfast with plans for further investment over the next five years.

Michelle McAnespy, Regional Head of Tenant, and Client Services of Choice Housing said,

“Reaching the 40th anniversary is a milestone to be proud of and at Choice, we are committed to developing not only quality and affordable housing but sustainable and cohesive communities. More importantly, this significant anniversary shows how our tenants contribute to the lifeblood of all our schemes.

“The tenants of Medway Court have built a thriving and closeknit community, building friendships and creating a supportive network through social activities. They are valued members of the neighbourhood and wider community, and this is an important element of maintaining the sustainability of independent living schemes like Medway Court”.

Medway Court is located in East Belfast on Medway Street. It is well serviced by public transport and is close to local amenities such as doctor’s surgeries, shops, cafes and eateries on the nearby Newtownards Road, with Connswater Shopping Centre less than a mile away. The scheme is comprised of 37 self- contained apartments, with lift access, including 14 single bedroom apartments, 22 double bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment. All apartments are energy efficient and are equipped with gas central heating, double glazing and a fully fitted kitchen.

If you are interested in Sheltered Living accommodation with Choice, please contact the team on 0300 111 2211 or visit www.choice-housing.org