Sheltered Housing
Sheltered housing accommodation at Balkerne Gardens includes a total of 68 rented studio and one-bedroom flats in three units of sheltered housing. The apartments are let through a shorthold tenancy agreement to persons over the age of 65 who meet our admission criteria.
Our sheltered housing facilities are located in the centre of historic Colchester. The 68 flats are grouped around a large, well-kept garden and pond, providing an attractive environment in which to sit or stroll about and to meet other tenants and residents.
The town is easily accessible, and it is a short distance to the shops, theatre, cinema, post office and banks. The staff support tenants to live independently, and an emergency call system is available in each flat.
A range of activities are available; many of which are organised by tenants and supported by the staff.
Facilities & Services
All tenants have access to a wide range of facilities and services at Balkerne Gardens Trust, including:
- well-kept garden and pond
- communal lounge
- guest room
- proximity to theatre, shops, pharmacies and post office
- excellent transport links to London and Norwich
- information on cycling and walking routes
- A 24-hour on-call system in each flat
- staff on duty or on-call 24 hours a day
- property maintenance
- evening/night site patrolled security and CCTV
- window cleaning
- recycling facilities
- laundry facilities
- access to hairdressing at our residential home’s purpose-built salon
- regular activities arranged on-site and outings/holidays
- satellite/digital television
- regular visits from the mobile library
- weekly fresh fish van visits
- quarterly Tenant Representative Committee meetings
Considering Sheltered Housing in Colchester?
Our Tenants Guide contains information intended to help you make a fully informed choice about whether or not Balkerne Gardens Trust is the right home for you. Prospective tenants are encouraged to speak to our Sheltered Housing Manager or telephone 01206 571140 or email sh@bgtrust.org for further information before applying for accommodation.
Parking
Parking is very limited on-site. Visitors should only use the parking facilities for picking up or dropping off a resident. Nearest car parks are at the rear of the Fenwicks department store or St Mary’s car park on Balkerne Hill. Please let staff know if any disabled visitor requires on-site parking.
Complaints
The Sheltered Housing Complaints Policy and Procedure has been updated in accordance with the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Code and can be accessed here. Complaints Policy & Procedure_SH
Application
If you would like to apply, please download an application form and return it to us:
Equal Opportunities Questionnaire
A copy of our contract is available here Tenancy Agreement Parsley and Tenancy Agreement Papillon.
Click here to view our 2024 Tenant Satisfaction Measures Survey results.
