Inspiring a new generation: Grace House

Grace House, C&C’s flagship scheme and the subject of a Housing LIN ‘Inspirational Achievement’ focus at an earlier stage of its redevelopment, opened its doors over the summer. In doing so, it welcomed new and returning residents into the 170- home scheme in the heart of St John’s Wood, London.

The scheme was formally opened on Thursday, 20 October 2022 by Lord Richard Best, who joined residents, local councillors, C&C’s partner organisations and colleagues to celebrate the partnership work carried out to deliver the project.

Work to build the new scheme on the former Dora House site began in 2012, when plans were first drawn up to replace the ageing scheme with a new development that would better support residents into later life. Since then, Dora House has been demolished and, in its place, Grace House has been co-designed with residents in mind.

Indeed, residents have been at the heart of the redevelopment. And they couldn’t be happier with the results.

Lee Smith moved in on the first day that Grace House opened in August. Along with her husband David, Lee is a former Dora House resident and has been living in alternative C&C accommodation while the redevelopment was being carried out:

“Buildings like Grace House make you feel important, wanted and are just so good for the older community. Grace House is so much better than the old Dora House. So much cleaner, brighter, bigger. We were so delighted to be one of the first to move in and are really happy. My family and friends are very happy I'm here. They don't have to worry about us.”

The Dora Designers Group, made up of several Dora House residents including Lee and David, worked alongside designers, architects and builders from C&C and its partners on all aspects of the new build, from finishes, fixtures and fittings to communal landscaping. Residents also took part in a competition to name the new building, with Barry Mitchell choosing the winning name ‘Grace House’:

“The name ‘Grace’ celebrates the House’s wonderful location practically opposite the Grace Gates at Lord’s – named after former England cricketer WG Grace. In addition, it acknowledges C&C’s custom of using female names at a number of its sheltered housing schemes. Dora, Ada and Edna are just some past and present examples of this.”

Approximately 60 former residents of Dora House have now moved over to the new development, and new applications for the remaining affordable living apartments are being processed by Westminster City Council. 90% of the scheme is available as affordable housing in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA), including £10.7m of grant funding.

Champa Patel is another former Dora House resident, who temporarily moved to another building during the demolition and development works before moving into the redeveloped Grace House.

She added:

“All facilities here are nice facilities. All the staff are good people, and very friendly.”

Residents also expressed how important spaces like Grace House are in making the older community feel important and valued in society. With a focus on accessibility, Grace House was designed with features to support people as their needs change over time and focus on providing a high-quality place to call home.

Residents will continue to be supported at Grace House as the final apartments are filled over the next few months.

Julia Ashley made a speech at the opening event earlier this year.

Following its opening, we have produced the eighth and final video of our ‘Redeveloping Dora House (opens new window)’ chapters, which focuses on the new Grace House scheme opening its doors to new and returning residents.

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Catch up on all the previous ‘Dora House chapters’ here (opens new window). Julia will also be presenting at the Housing LIN’s HAPPI Hour session on ‘Urban Ageing’ on Tuesday, 20 December 2022. Secure your place here.

And fiannly, C&C/Aster are proud to sponsor the Housing LIN’s Older People webpage.