Wivenhoe Housing Trust breaks ground on six new almshouses

Construction has officially begun on six new almshouses in Wivenhoe, marking the first new almshouse development in the town for more than 50 years.

The new homes, to be known as Raven Court, are being developed by Wivenhoe Housing Trust on land behind Cross Farm, close to the fire station, Vine Parade shops and local bus services. Designed for local people aged over 60 who are in housing need, the development will provide secure, affordable homes that enable residents to remain part of the community they know and love.

The milestone follows more than 15 years of planning and determination by the trustees of Wivenhoe Housing Trust.

Peter Hill, Chairman of Wivenhoe Housing Trust, said:

“This is really exciting. We have been working towards this day for at least 15 years, when the trustees agreed that we wanted to create more almshouses in Wivenhoe and set about achieving that ambition. It will be a wonderful day next year when we finally welcome residents into their new homes.”

The land for the development was donated by Cala Homes as part of the planning agreement for its nearby Wivenhoe Gardens development. The provision of land for new almshouses formed part of the Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan, which was approved by local residents in 2019. Peter Hill and Vice-Chairman Bob Needham played leading roles in developing the plan.

Wivenhoe Housing Trust is a registered charity run by nine local trustees. In addition to the new development, it manages 13 existing almshouses at Jonathan Feedham Court and the historic Mary Ann Sanford Almshouses on Rebow Road, which were built in 1873.

The new homes at Raven Court will build on this long tradition of providing affordable, community-focused housing in Wivenhoe, ensuring that older people with local connections continue to have access to safe, secure and independent homes for generations to come.