Watermead Court, Birstall

Keystone Developments flagship scheme was designed and built in partnership with established homebuilders Westleigh in August 2005.  A new development of 39 one and two bedroom apartments were built to meet the growing needs of the over 55’s. 

The Westleigh complex is built in an L-shaped design with three storeys, and has the appearance of a small street scene. It is located in a residential area close to Birstall's thriving centre, with village shops, post office, doctor's surgery and primary school all within walking distance.

Westleigh's architects designed 17 different styles of apartments to give potential buyers an extensive choice and to try and make the units look like detached homes, while also incorporating features designed to make life easier for elderly residents.  The well-equipped apartments include sockets and switches at a convenient height, easy-to-reach windows and easy-grip tap levers.

Central heating and double-glazed windows ensure affordable warmth and residents can be assured of their own and their home's safety thanks to the Secure By Design accreditation given by the police. There are on-site security cameras, an entrance intercom system connected to the apartments' TVs and a 24-hour emergency call system.

In addition to the apartments' own comforts a number of additions were included designed to enhance residents' social lives and make it easier to have friends or family to stay. A communal residents' lounge on the ground floor is overlooked by the first-floor sitting and reading area and has its own kitchen, adjacent laundry, WC and storage room for scooters and wheelchairs.

There is an activities room on the first floor and a guest room with en-suite facilities close to the scheme manager's flat on the second floor. The latter can be utilised by any of the residents requiring its use for visiting friends or family.