Award winning developments helping to shape future housing and care in Iceland

A retirement village in Eastleigh, Hampshire owned and managed by Anchor Hanover has hosted a fact finding visit from delegates of The Icelandic Seaman Association.

The Seaman’s Day Association – which has been providing housing and care for Iceland’s over 55s for some six decades - has developed three small retirement communities in Iceland since 2000. Each location consists of rented housing, a service centre and a nursing home. They are now building a new age specific community in the country’s capital, Reykjavik.

Set within the site of a former Victorian estate, Bishopstoke Park is a stunning retirement village, with sprawling parkland, wooded glades and manicured gardens. At the heart of the village sits Oakleigh Square, which houses a delicatessen, bistro and village reception. The square also comprises 36 one- and two-bedroom apartments, 19 assisted living apartments and a 48-bed care home. Seven clusters of apartments are nestled throughout the village grounds, with other facilities on offer that include a gym, health spa and beauty parlour.

Chris Munday, Managing Director of Housing Operations, Anchor Hanover said: “It was fascinating to meet representatives of the Seaman’s Day Association. The delegation showed a real desire to improve the lives of older people in Iceland, so it was pleasing to hear about their aspirations to create high quality retirement housing and care as part of that.”

Sigurdur Gardarsson, CEO, The Seaman’s Day Association said: “I am very grateful to Anchor Hanover for hosting the visit. Discussions were enlightening - we all share the same mission to provide the best possible housing and care for older people.  

“We were particularly impressed by the high quality and contemporary design of Bishopstoke Park. I particularly liked the clever use of landings and corridor space to create themed lounges and a beauty parlour. The development also had a homely feel, as residents with dementia displayed personal possessions within memory boxes outside their rooms.”

The delegation were also keen to see to how Anchor Hanover’s offer works within an urban environment. Joining the organisation’s Hackney housing team for a tour of the Downsizer development, Quadra in London Fields, as well as Limetree Court in Clapton Common which provides Extra Care Housing in the Borough.

The group were particularly surprised to hear that the population of Hackney alone is almost equal to the whole of Iceland. With a number of football supporters among the group, the also enjoyed being able to see the view of the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium from the rooftop of Limetree Court.