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An artists' impression of how the
residential development off Hillhall Road would look.
TWO Lisburn companies are behind proposals
for Northern Ireland's first ever traditionally-built retirement
village.
The unique scheme, which aims to provide "an
attractive, high quality and secure environment for the over
55's" is being built by WJ Law and Co as part of a major
residential development at Ballantine Garden Village off the
Hillhall Road.
The design by Lisburn architects Knox &
Clayton is based on a successful English model of similar
villages by English Courtyard Developments Limited.
Principal Architect on the project Philip
Cullen explained: "It is designed for people who do not need
nursing care, but whose day-to-day independent living would
benefit from more appropriate surroundings capable of adapting
to their future needs.
"The English Courtyard way of life combines
continued independence with total peace of mind for both
residents and their families.
"It is a concept based on the traditional
courtyard plan of almshouses. The relationship of the buildings
to the space around them is of great importance and the
landscaping creates the feeling of a manor house garden.
"When people visit an English Courtyard their
first reaction is 'what a lovely place' and that's exactly what
we aim to emulate in this scheme.'
The retirement village will consist of 25 two
bedroomed houses in an Arts and Crafts style, most with garages,
a warden's apartment, plus guest apartments. But the scheme on
the Hillhall Road will go one step further as WI Law & Co's,
David Law explains: "We have decided to incorporate a 47
bedroomed nursing home into the village, designed in the style
of the well known arts and crafts architect Charles Voysey and
which will be available exclusively to residents.
The idea is to give residents peace of mind
and the security of knowing that if they ever do need nursing
care, they can remain in the locality once their independent
living is no longer possible.
"For this reason we also included a warden,
who will be there really in a management capacity and the
addition of the guest apartments means residents can invite
family to stay and rent it for a nominal fee.
"As a family-run local company, which has
been going for over 100 years, we see this not only as a
flagship development for us but for the whole of Northern
Ireland.
"It's very much about lifestyle and allowing
retired people to keep their foot on the property ladder and
retain some independence."
jenny.monroe@jpress.co.uk
Ulster Star
15/08/2008
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