Coventry couple are first to exchange contracts at Earlsdon Retirement Village extension

A couple from Coventry, Susan, 68, and Robert Hancock, 77, were in a celebratory mood today – 22 September, as they officially became the first to exchange contracts at the new Earlsdon Park Retirement Village extension developed by registered charity, The ExtraCare Charitable Trust.

Phase two of the retirement village – phase one opened in 2016 and is already home to more than 350 older people – is on course to complete soon with new residents warmly welcomed from November 2020.

Both born in Coventry, Susan and her husband have lived there for most of their lives, but recently returned to the city after two years living in Devon. They have two daughters nearby in Coundon and Kenilworth.

Susan knew she had to live at Earlsdon Park Retirement Village as soon as she stepped inside its reception doors. She comments: “The feeling you get when you walk in is simply lovely, the atmosphere is very friendly. It was like being welcomed with open arms.”

The village in Earlsdon is located just outside of Coventry City Centre on the site of the former Butts Technical College. It has been developed ExtraCare, a charity that exists to enable better lives for older people.

Once complete, the extension will boast an additional 60 spacious apartments for purchase and shared ownership with on-site care and support for those who need it, taking the total number of homes at the village to 322.

The local community, as well as residents, can make use of the village’s unrivalled mix of social and leisure facilities including a bar and bistro, gym, hair and beauty salon, and corner shop.

In addition, a timetable of wide-ranging and stimulating activities are on offer to help residents stay healthy, active and independent for longer, within the confines of social distancing and while adhering to government guidelines.

Thousands of older people have already benefitted from living in one of ExtraCare’s villages which is backed up by research from Aston and Lancaster universities. Results showed that residents living in its retirement communities are less anxious, more active and less likely to fall. The study also revealed that 86.5% of residents were ‘never or hardly ever’ lonely and showed a 14.8% reduction in depressive symptoms amongst residents after three years, and also annual NHS savings of 38% per person.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many people these past few months, during this time the village has become a safe haven for its residents. Prospective residents are encouraged to get a true feel for living in one of ExtraCare’s communities by watching its ‘You’re Safe With Us’ video, a thank you to all who have supported ExtraCare’s villages and residents these past six months.

Individuals interested in Earlsdon Park Retirement Village can register their details on 07989 441261 or at new.villages@extracare.org.uk and find out more at extracare.org.uk/earlsdon-park-village.