The communal lounge, niches and corridors at Gillian House all got a lick of paint, new flooring, curtains, lighting and bespoke furniture and artwork. Interior designer Angela Wright explained, ‘Our brief was to give a fresh updated feel to the sheltered
scheme and I think we achieved that through consultation with the tenants of their preferences.’
The refurbishment cost just over £75,000, and Chipo Chapeshamano, Intensive Housing Coordinator at Gillian said, ‘The
new lounge and niches on the ground and first floors have a very bright, smart contemporary look which our residents like.’
Seventeen residents and five members of staff along with the two interior designers got together in the new lounge for an afternoon cream tea. HCHA’s Development Manager, Robert Goodman, thanked everyone for their patience during the works and
discussions focussed on their thoughts on the new refurbishment.
Residents and long-time friends Ray Stopp and George Emile approved of the refurbishment and George commented, ‘We think the lounge and the upstairs passages and hallways are very good now.’
Resident Elanor Plant enthused, ‘I love the colour scheme. The new floor is easier to keep clean and the
light fittings are much better than the old fluorescents – especially for reading.’