NEWS

Phase 1 Kendall Close improvements is now complete.  It's a former almshouse in the centre of Exeter and we asked residents what they liked and disliked about their homes.  Poor security and lack of space seemed to be the main concerns. 

So we asked the Police Architectural Liaision Officer for her advice, and security gates with a door entry system and new lighting have been introduced to keep unwelcome visitors out and to begin to build a community spirit within the courtyards.

To gain more light we ‘flipped’ the maisonettes upside down so the upstairs accommodation is now modern, open plan kitchen/diners and lounges.  The downstairs rooms, which are naturally darker, contain the bedrooms, bathrooms and stairways. This design solution seems to have been popular and certainly creates the feeling of more space and light.

Residents have chosen their new kitchen units from a range and the bathrooms have been modernised to now include showers over the baths.

Externally, having made the courtyards private and secure; we have also created seating and drying areas.  The improvement is already noticeable with spontaneous gardening by individual residents! 

The next Estate to be modernised will be "The Courts" also in the Exeter City Centre.  A tenant consultation event has been arranged for Tuesday 27th April.