With thousands of bricks laid and the last few homes now matched to Veterans in need, it’s less than a month before housing charity Stoll’s brand new development in Aldershot is due to open…
On 14 June, Centenary Lodge will be declared officially open – ready for disabled and vulnerable Veterans to move into 34 brand new purpose built homes in Evelyn Avenue.
Ed Tytherleigh, Stoll’s CEO, said: We are proud to be naming the new building Centenary Lodge as we broke ground as part of our own Centenary celebrations, as well as to commemorate the millions of lives lost in the First World War which ended 100 years ago in 1918.
“Our brand new development will enable some of our most vulnerable individuals who served in the Armed Forces to transition into civilian life effectively. We will provide tailored support to all our residents to ensure they can go on to lead fulfilling and independent lives.”
These much-needed homes have been built following research by the University of York
which identified that the garrison town of Aldershot had a shortfall of dedicated housing for Veterans. All 34 homes will be occupied as Centenary Lodge has been oversubscribed.
Veteran Craig Wheatley served in the Army for 11 years and is due to move into Centenary Lodge from Mike Jackson House. He said: “I’m ready for the next step and to move into my own flat at Stoll’s Centenary Lodge. When I saw the property, I thought it was absolutely stunning. Without these services, I can’t tell you where I’d be today. I’m ready to grab this opportunity with both hands and I’m ready for the future.”
Centenary Lodge consists of 34 units including 27 one-bedroom flats, accessible flats for disabled people and family accommodation. The development includes a number of communal spaces for training, therapy and community activities, and gardens surround the building.
Centenary Lodge is a significant milestone for Stoll as it is the charity’s first housing development outside London. Stoll already provides four housing schemes in London and works with housing associations and local authorities to provide accommodation for veterans across the UK, through the Veterans’ Nomination Scheme.
