Rosaire News.

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	Official Opening - 3rd of July 2007 AT A well-attended ceremony Guernsey’s Lt Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Fabian Malbon KBE, unveiled a plaque marking the official opening of Rosaire Court and Gardens on Tuesday 3 July 2007. Accompanied by his wife Lady Sue Malbon, His Excellency spoke highly of the quality of the 85 one and two-bed roomed extra care homes for Guernsey’s elderly on the old Grammar School for Girls site to an audience of residents, and members of their families, politicians, civil servants, staff and several key personnel from businesses associated with the design and construction of the Rosaire project.




	• The Lt Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Fabian Malbon KBE and Lady Sue Malbon
	Earlier the Lt Governor, Lady Malbon and an official party toured the facilities and terraced gardens at Rosaire and also met several residents in their new homes. He spoke warmly of the pleasant and friendly atmosphere he had encountered saying that if he was not scheduled to leave the Island after three more years he would be tempted to apply for a home at Rosaire himself! Those attending the occasion included Melinda Phillips, CEO of Housing 21, a registered UK charity – formerly the Royal British Legion Housing Association – that specialises in developing and managing sheltered and extra care homes throughout the country where it is involved with over 14,000 homes. Rosaire Court and Gardens, as well as being the first extra care scheme on Guernsey, is a “first” outside the UK for Housing 21 and Ms Phillips spoke of her organisation’s vision to deliver services in a way that gives older people greater choice and preserves their independence. She said: “It gives older people the opportunity to live in homes designed to meet their needs and with the security of round-the-clock, on-site care staff. By working in partnership with the States of Guernsey and Rosaire Sheltered Housing we have built something which will be an asset to the Island and will bring benefits to the local community.”

	She added: “Rosaire Court and Gardens has been developed to create a vibrant, mixed community of rented and private sale options. Thirty-five apartments have been sold to their new residents or are occupied on an affordable lifetime lease and 50 flats are for rent. As well as enjoying purpose-built accommodation, residents have been provided with an on-site café, restaurant, guest suites and a hairdressing salon. These facilities are also open to the general public, thus enhancing links with the local community.” Charles McHugh, a Director of the developers, Rosaire Sheltered Housing, thanked all those involved in bringing the project to fruition five months ahead of schedule and within all the financial criteria required.” He said: “Sharing the funding between the private and public sectors makes great sense. The private sector has acted commercially for profit alongside the public sector to achieve the same outcome; we have housed people who need to live in a supported environment. This project and this partnership have ensured that people with housing and care needs are provided for. The important thing is what we have achieved by working together, rather than how it was achieved.” Mr McHugh concluded: “The private sector contribution has been to help to fund and deliver and innovative housing project. Rosaire demonstrates the success of this kind of partnership and the ‘value added’ that the private sector can bring to the delivery of public sector visions. I trust that those here today can see the shape of things to come through Rosaire coloured spectacles.” Deputy Mark Dorey, for the Housing Department, commented favourably on the scheme and indicated that it could well be the forerunner of other similar schemes and Deputy Peter Roffey, Minister of the Health and Social Services Department said Rosaire had a “wow factor”. He said that without wishing to be “political” he hoped that future funding for any similar projects would come from the budget of the Social Security Department as opposed to that of the HSS. Following the ceremony, residents and guests enjoyed a buffet lunch in La Bouan Fricot Restaurant prepared by resident proprietor and chef Martin Edmondson and his staff.



	Topped Out
	The Rosaire Gardens and Rosaire Court construction project was topped out on 4th May by Melinda Phillips, Chief Executive of Housing 21, a registered UK charity and leading sheltered retirement home specialist that owns and manages this unique new Guernsey complex.

	• Melinda Phillips, CEO of Housing 21, aboard a cherry picker en route to laying the topping out roof tile. • Melinda Phillips, CEO of Housing 21, said she likes to think that Rosaire is: “The best of its kind that the British Isles has to offer.”
	Representatives of the other three stakeholders in the venture joined Ms Phillips at the event. They were Deputy Dave Jones, States Housing Department Minister, other members of his Department and senior officers; Deputy Peter Roffey, States Health and Social Services Department Minister, along with other members of his Department and senior officers; and three Directors of Rosaire Sheltered Housing Limited, architect Richard Sandwith, construction company chairman Jeremy Rihoy and Charles McHugh.


	In a statement to the local media Melinda Phillips said: "We aim to create a small, happy community by promoting independence and choice for Islanders whilst providing them with facilities which will include lifts and access for the disabled, landscaped, terraced gardens, ample car parking, a laundry, a drop-in café, a restaurant and small shop, an internet café, guest accommodation for visiting friends and relatives along with a range of facilities for personal health care." She added that the Rosaire project, her organisation's first outside the UK where it manages 14,000 homes, would set new standards in its field. "It raises the bar nationally for the provision of sheltered residential accommodation, extra services and facilities. I like to think of it as the best of its kind that the British Isles has to offer." Dave Jones, whose Department joint funded the development with Rosaire Sheltered Housing Limited, said: " This is a hugely important day for this ground-breaking project, which is aimed at the over 55s in our Island. We can hardly wait to see the scheme completed and the first residents take up occupation. Whether tenants or owners, we think residents will be impressed by the quality of their accommodation and the range of services on their doorsteps." Packed Out • A section of the audience at Les Cotils. There was, quite literally, an overwhelming response to the first public presentation about Rosaire Gardens and Rosaire Court at the Harry Bound Room, Les Cotils, on 4th May last. The event was arranged for potential buyers and lifetime leaseholders of the 35 extra care retirement apartments but although the auditorium seats 200, there was standing room only. Scores of interested Islanders were unable to be accommodated. Speakers for the occasion were Charles McHugh, a director of Rosaire Sheltered Housing Limited, Lois King, New Business Manager of Housing 21, and Advocate Allan Skirrow, of Carey Olsen. Following their addresses, each speaker fielded questions of the floor. Mr McHugh spoke of how the Rosaire project had come into being and how it had progressed. He said the construction should be completed before the end of the year. He said there are 26 apartments for sale on a freehold basis and 9 available on a lifetime lease basis. • Charles McHugh of Rosaire Sheltered Housing Limited and Lois King, New Developments Manager, Housing 21 answered many questions during the presentation at Les Cotils. Ms King spoke of briefly about the history and philosophy of Housing 21 and of the quality and range of extra care services, which would be available to both residents and non-residents of the Rosaire community. Advocate Skirrow, explained the legal procedures and requirements which face would-be purchasers and leaseholders and stressed that to ensure a clear understanding of their commitments all potential buyers should consult their advocates. Following the event the directors of Rosaire Sheltered Housing Limited issued a public apology to those unable to find seating or standing room in the Harry Bound Room and thanked all those who between them left Les Cotils with over 350 copies of the company's illustrated brochures.


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