Closed Stoke-on-Trent care home reborn with green energy credentials

An ageing Stoke-on-Trent care home has been transformed with an environmentally-friendly vision, after a £1m investment from provider Safe Harbor.

Formerly Eardley House, the renovated accommodation has been renamed ‘Agnes and Arthur’ and will open at 10:30am tomorrow in an event attended by darts legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.

Delighted with the results of the redevelopment, Safe Harbor director Philip Morris is pleased to see the care home poised to start its new life, commenting: “When we took on the former Council run home the facility was dilapidated and in an extremely poor state of repair. There were damp issues and very low quality fixtures, fittings and facilities.

“We have undergone a full refurbishment and renovation of the premises at the cost of over £1m pounds and we hope to make it a centre of excellence, with more work planned for the outside secure garden in the spring.”

Alongside a reputation for quality care, Safe Harbor also wanted to present the community with a modernised facility that has a long-term commitment to green energy, as Mr Morris explains.

“Renewable and sustainable energy is important to Safe Harbor; insulation in the walls and pods and replacing the single glazing with new more efficient units with double-glazing. We are looking to further reduce our carbon footprint in many ways such as using wood free paper, LED lighting, looking into moving from gas to biomass and also installing solar on our premises.”

Although perhaps the most pleasing achievement is being able to save a facility that was treasured highly by the local community, at the same time as contributing to local life.

He continues: “This push towards a more sustainable business model will continue, as will Safe Harbor’s support of local suppliers, which in turn will support the local economy.

“One of the many satisfying aspects of the project is being able to reinstate something that everyone is proud of. When Eardley House was closed down, people were angry, upset and fearful of what would happen to their loved ones.

“The new care home will support the elderly in need, whilst also employing up to 40 new members of staff which boosts the local economy.

“The building is developed to all the latest standards and is fully accessible for the disabled, and security is guaranteed alarm detection, and emergency lighting systems.”

Visitors to the open day tomorrow will view an extensive list of new features, including a new welcoming entrance, new kitchen and laundry facilities, brand new wireless call systems, a new hairdressing salon and passenger lifts, as well as the new skylights that allow natural light into the building.

click here for more details or to contact Safe Harbor