Providing a brand new, modern, eco-friendly Extra Care scheme in Cosham.

Deacon Design were appointed to support the planning application of a brand new, modern, eco-friendly Extra Care scheme with 50no. specialist dementia care apartments for Portsmouth City Council on the site of the former Edinburgh House in Cosham. The site forms part of an urban regeneration plan for north Cosham including a new fire station on the adjoining PCMI site. The new extra care development offers specialist care to people living with dementia.

The landscape proposals for the proposed development seeks to integrate a series of complementary formal and informal outdoor spaces that reflects the future health and wellbeing needs of residents and care staff. Working closely with the design team we have sought to provide a safe and secure communal courtyard garden which will allow residents to participate in varied activities such as growing plants and food production.

Surrounded by sensory planting, incorporating a mix of sizes, textures, colours, seasonal variation and scents, residents will be able to gain maximum benefit from the planting. A perimeter pathway formed from a block paving material and framed by low hedge planting will create a pleasant route for residents to venture out into the garden.

Accessed from the main garden path, the communal lawn will provide socialising opportunities to the residents with a central water feature for a tranquil experience. The courtyard path with occasional seating will allow residents to meander around the garden stopping to enjoy the variety of planting beds which will consist of a mix of sensory planting including shrubs, herbaceous and ornamental grasses.

The scheme was well supported by local news and the public consultation revealed a positive feedback and support from the public.