Michaelmas Court, in Heath Road, Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, reaches construction milestone

A ‘much needed’ new supported housing scheme set to provide over 50 homes has held a ‘topping out’ ceremony.

Michaelmas Court, in Heath Road, Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, hit the construction milestone of reaching its highest point.

The project, by Housing 21, will consist of 40 apartments and 14 bungalows to provide specialist independent living homes for older people with the assurance of on-site care for residents.

It will also have a wide range of communal facilities, including an on-site bistro.

Bridget Faughan-Bing, director of development and delivery at Housing 21, said: “We are really pleased to see the progress being made at our 54-unit Extra Care scheme in Thurston and the achievement of this significant milestone.

“It’s been a pleasure to work in partnership with both RG Carter and Osbornes to ensure smooth delivery of the scheme, and we look forward to welcoming our first residents to their new homes in 2025.”

Michaelmas Court residents will have the choice to rent or purchase their property through shared ownership.

Housing 21 was joined by representatives from Thurston Relief In Need Charity, Osbornes and Thurston Parish Council for the topping out ceremony.

Christoper Dasher, chairperson of Thurston Parish Council, said: “Thurston Parish Council is delighted to see that this much needed project is progressing well and will soon be providing an important community service.

“The project brings significant added value to the local community, and we congratulate the efforts of all involved to bring this project to fruition."

Alongside the bistro, residents will benefit from a communal lounge, activity room, laundry, communal gardens, health suite and a guest room.

The wider community will be able to use the café, as well as a planned hair salon.

Michaelmas Court is set to open in the Spring.