IT is the multi-million-pound complex described as the future of social housing.

After four years in the planning Erskine Court in Lordshill, a new supported housing development providing with care for those who need it finally opened its doors.

New tenants, local GPs, elected officials and key partners involved in the project gathered in the community room of the new complex to celebrate.

Cllr Warwick Payne, cabinet member for adult care and housing for Southampton City Council joined Mrs Kathleen Hann - one of Erskine Court’s first residents - in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to declare the complex open.

He said: “Successful completion of 54 new council homes at Erskine Court marks the end of a four-year journey for us, but also the start of an exciting new journey, as we’ll be looking to bring forward similar schemes across the city in the coming years. 

“This is the future of sheltered housing, and that future is looking bright.”

The complex that costs £9.8 million was funded by Southampton City Council Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) and offers 54 fully self-contained flats.

Other facilities, such as a restaurant and several lounges, will be available for tenants, residents and the rest of the community while all tenants will have an on-site support and care. 

Paul Juan, acting service director for adults, housing and communities, said: “We’re really proud of Erskine Court, Southampton’s first new build housing with care development. 

“The high-quality design, attention to detail and access to care will help older people and those with extra care needs to live independently for as long as possible, which helps relieve pressure on the NHS and local health and social care services.”

He added that the ambition was to turn the complex into a community hub: “We hope that people living nearby will also take advantage of the cafe and regular activities planned for the health and wellbeing centre, so that this can become a real community hub, where friendships thrive.”

Applicants for the property need to qualify on the council’s housing register and have care needs in order to qualify for services at Erskine Court.