A RETIREMENT village is set to close with its residents being forced to move out of the premises.
The Heriotts in Droitwich, a Grade II listed building on Worcester Road operated by Platform Housing, currently houses 12 residents.
Rising maintenance costs have contributed to the decision to close the scheme, with an estimated £1.8 million needed over the next five years and £2.6 million over the next 30 years—44 per cent higher than previous estimates.
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The building has not yet formally closed.
Marion Duffy, chief operations officer at Platform Housing Group, said: “Platform Housing Group has made the difficult decision to close The Heriotts Retirement Village.
“As always, our priority is supporting our customers.
“Taking into account their individual needs and circumstances, we have met with all our customers today and are working closely with them to help them find suitable alternative homes and provide tailored help and support to help make their move as smooth as possible.
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“The Heriotts is a historic Grade II listed building and, over time, it has become increasingly challenging to maintain and improve it in a way that meets modern retirement village standards and enables us to provide the high-quality homes and services our customers deserve.
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision.
“We have carefully considered a range of factors, including feedback from customers, independent assessments of the building, the significant investment required to ensure the scheme meets modern retirement village standards, and its long-term viability.”
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Councillor Dan Birch said he is happy to provide any support to affected residents and hopes that Platform provides suitable housing options for all those affected.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by Platform’s decision, albeit as someone with a relative in the Herriots I saw it coming.
“The property had been falling into a state of decline that was no longer serving residents to the standard it should’ve been.
“I also hope that Platform secure a future for the site in one way or another.
“I can see a viable future for the site as an assisted living facility or small flats to provide affordable accommodation.”