Sheltered Housing - Balkerne Gardens Trust

We are the only sheltered housing scheme in the area with on-site staff available 24 hours a day, offering added reassurance whenever you need it.

Our Independent Living Sheltered Housing includes 68 unfurnished apartments across 3 buildings, all set around a large, beautiful garden and pond. It’s a place where you can enjoy your independence and live life as you choose.

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Independent living in a friendly and vibrant community.

Enjoy living independently with added peace of mind, knowing a dedicated member of staff is always on-site and an emergency call bell system is in place. You will also have access to a full-time Manager during office hours, available to offer help and guidance whenever you need it.

Our reliable, skilled in-house maintenance team are on hand to deal with any property issues, making day-to-day life easier.

We offer a range of 1-bedroom and studio apartments for people aged 65 and over who live in, or have connections to the CO postcode area. Our shared lounge and gardens help create a lively, welcoming community we’re proud of and provide the perfect place to meet others and build new friendships. With a varied activities programme led by tenants and supported by staff, there are plenty of opportunities to join in if you wish.

Located in the historic city centre of Colchester, you also have easy access to public transport links and amenities, including churches, cinema, restaurants, cafes, Mercury Theatre and a range of shops.

A typical studio room tour

A typical one-bedroom room tour

3 buildings consisting of 68 unfurnished studio and 1-bedroom apartments

Access to amazing gardens and heated summerhouse

Independent living with a staff member on-site always

Call bell system for emergency assistance

In-house maintenance team

Assured tenancies for those who meet our admission criteria

A range of social activities

Easy access to amenities within a historic city-centre location

24hr CCTV

At Balkerne Gardens Trust, we aspire to offer a home for life with residential, nursing, respite and end of life care services available.

Explore Balkerne Gardens Trust

Experience the lively community and facilities at Balkerne Gardens Trust.

“Every town needs a Balkerne Gardens“

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Freda Gunton Lodge

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Complaints

Balkerne Gardens Trust takes all complaints received seriously, and our aim is to put things right and learn from when things go wrong.

The Sheltered Housing Complaints Policy and Procedure, can be accessed here. Complaints P&P Mar 26

The Housing Ombudsmans Complaint Code Self-Assessment, can be accessed here. RSH Self-Assessment Mar 26

The Trust’s Complaints & Compliments Annual Report for 2025, can be accessed here. Complaints Compliments Annual Review report Feb 25

The Board of Trustee’s response to the Sheltered Housing element of the Annual Complaints & Compliments Report for 2025, can be accessed here. Board response SH Complaints 2025

Complaints

FAQs

It is recommended to apply as early as possible, so you don’t miss out.

If you have urgent housing requirements, please call us to discuss your needs.

No, parking is very limited, so we only offer pick up and drop off points for visitors.

There is local parking nearby at St Mary’s and Nunn’s Road car parks, both are nearby and within walking distance.

Our support staff act in the capacity of a friendly neighbour and are there to support you in the event of an emergency, but do not provide care. However, you can source your own care package if required.

No, these are Assured Tenancies only.

No.

Building insurance is covered by the Trust; we highly recommend that you purchase your own contents insurance.

Yes, however, this will need to meet fire-compliant standards.

Yes, this is your home. We also offer a single-occupancy guest room for a small fee.

For further information, please contact Sylwia Szwarc, Sheltered Housing Manager, on 01206 571140 or email sh@bgtrust.org