Castle Gate
Guildford
Improved
housing for older
people for Abbeyfield
Although in many ways an unsuitable
building for older people, Castle Gate
occupies a delightful position near
Guildford castle and town centre,
with views over the Wey valley.
It therefore remained a popular scheme.
Abbeyfield introduced new design
guidance in 1999 and the accommodation
fell well below these standards in many
respects. In particular, it had shared
bathing facilities and no level access.
The committee were concerned that
addressing these issues would lead to
such a reduction in the number of units
that the scheme would become unviable.
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Options were presented for discussion
and the constructed scheme included
a new ramp to lower ground floor level,
providing for the first time level access
into the building, which had had a lift
installed some years before.
Through ingenious planning, the
accommodation was moved around
within the existing building shell so
that all residents' rooms became fully
accessible and were provided with
en-suite facilities, whilst there was no
reduction in the number of lettable units.
In addition, the manager was provided
with improved accommodation with new
access to the garden.
This project required careful negotiations
with English Heritage due to the presence
on the site of important archaeological
remains.
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