Accessible homes at the heart of Ham Close regeneration

Newly completed homes at Ham Close show how accessibility and adaptability have been built in from the outset, helping residents live independently and comfortably.

Councillor Chris Varley, Richmond Council’s Lead Member for Housing, toured the new properties to see how inclusive design has been put into practice across the regeneration being delivered by RHP, in partnership with Richmond Council and Hill, the contractor.

When the development is fully completed, 10% of the homes across the scheme will be suitable for wheelchair users. The rest of the homes are designed to be easily adaptable in the future as needed.

“Everyone should have a home that supports them to live independently and with dignity,” Councillor Varley said.

“It was fantastic to see how thoughtful design at Ham Close has translated into practical features that make a real difference to residents’ daily lives.

“Accessibility has been considered from the beginning of this scheme, both in the wheelchair-accessible homes and across the wider development, so that homes can adapt as people’s circumstances change.

“This is what building a fairer borough looks like: high-quality homes designed around the people who will live in them.”

The home Councillor Varley visited includes a fully fitted shower room with support rails and an accessible kitchen featuring an electric rise-and-fall worktop, pull-out storage and an oven shelf that allows hot dishes to be transferred safely.

Some bathrooms in the properties have already been converted to shower rooms for residents, while all bathrooms are prepared for level-access showers to be installed in future if needed.

Wider hallways and doors, more easily reached sockets and switches, and lifts in every building also help make the development more accessible for everyone.

To ensure that inclusive and accessible design is at the heart of developments such as Ham Close, Richmond Council has a dedicated specialist housing occupational therapist who works closely with housing associations, their project teams and residents from the beginning to end of the process.

The Ham Close regeneration is delivering 452 new homes, replacing all 143 existing social and affordable homes and adding 78 more affordable homes.

The wider scheme also includes new public open space and two new community facilities: The Hive, a community centre, and a creative hub called The Makers Barn.