| Older residents excited at the prospect of moving into spacious new apartments in Andover Road, Newbury, have voted to name their new complex Carnarvon Place.
Sovereign Housing Association is well underway with some of the most sophisticated living accommodation for older people in Newbury, and asked residents in some nearby sheltered schemes to come up with a suitable name.
As the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was instrumental in the campaign to get the old hospital built in 1885, the current Earl decided it was a very appropriate site in Newbury to lend his name to.
Sovereign is spending nearly £10m building 100 new apartments in Andover Road, with spacious kitchens, lifts, communal gardens, digital TV, secure access, and energy-efficient heating. Residents in smaller, less popular sheltered schemes in Newbury are the first to be offered an apartment at Carnarvon Place, and more than 80 per cent are interested in moving to the new apartments. And more older residents are queuing up to downsize from family homes – in short supply – across the district.
St Donat’s resident, Mrs Emmeline Yockney, 91, said: “We’ve seen the plans, and Sovereign have explained what will happen, and offered to help us move. Most of us here can’t wait to get in.”
Meanwhile, the former car park opposite the hospital will be named Thurlow Grange. Major Thurlow of Shaw House donated almost 40% of the fund to build the former hospital. These 15 apartments will be for part-buy part-rent, and are due to complete next June, and anyone interested should call 0845 602 1618.
Our picture shows 91 year old St Donats resident, Mrs Emmeline Yockney. | 
