A Lincolnshire retirement living scheme has been officially opened following a DIY SOS style makeover.

Alexandra Court in the seaside town of Skegness – which is owned and managed by Platform Housing Group – welcomed guests on Thursday 15 December to celebrate the completed project.

The DIY SOS themed refurbishment took place in the autumn and involved managers from the housing association rolling up their sleeves and helping out with the painting.

 Sarah Sutton, Director of New Customers and Specialist Housing at Platform Housing Group said: 

“We are so delighted to officially mark the renovation of Alexandra Court; it was a fabulous event, allowing us to showcase the refurbishment to both our customers and those who work in the local community.

Identifying such schemes that need a makeover is a key part of ensuring that our customers live comfortably.  As a group of managers, it was also a good exercise for us to go back to basics and really make a difference!”

The areas that have been refurbished include the entrance hall, with new flooring and pictures; the communal lounge, with new carpets, furniture, curtains, lighting, TV, snooker table, decoration and installation of a serving hatch between the lounge and the kitchen, along with a new kitchen, flooring and decoration.

 Jan Baldwin, a resident at Alexandra Court, said: 

“This new area is warm and inviting and I like the comfortable seating, so now I come and watch the TV.  The new kitchen is great and I am excited to use it.  I want to say thank you to Platform and the contractors for all the work they’ve done.”

Contractors included Hankinsons, NAP, Howdens, BuildBase and Travis Perkins.

Matt Blackburn, a Territory Representative from one of the contractors Howdens, said: 

“We work well with Platform and it’s good to be able to give something back from time to time. We’re a charitable company and like to give to schemes such as this; it has been great to see how the new kitchen will benefit the residents.”

Alexandra Court – which comprises 27 flats and 5 bungalows – was chosen for a makeover in order to bring it up to more modern standards; all of the customers were consulted, responded positively and were involved in choosing the colours and the furnishings.