Housing association sells two Birmingham schemes

Housing association Optivo has confirmed it has sold two of its Birmingham older people’s schemes to a new provider.

Housing 21, a not for profit provider of retirement housing and extra care for older people of modest means, is due to take ownership of Harmony House, Small Heath, and Barbara Glasgow House, Washwood Heath, later this year.

Robin Deane, head of independent living at Optivo, said: “We believe transferring these schemes to Housing 21 will enable residents to continue to receive a high quality local service and future investment works.

“We had a very thorough consultation with our residents and their families before our final decision was made. We held socially distanced meetings for residents to have the opportunity to ask questions and meet representatives of Optivo and Housing 21.

“We’re satisfied our residents are fully behind this transfer. Housing 21 will continue to run the schemes in a similar way, with exceptional service and residents at the heart of everything they do.”

Lucy Hales, head of retirement housing (Central region), from Housing 21, added: “We are delighted to be acquiring Harmony House and Barbara Glasgow House from Optivo, and are excited to welcome residents to Housing 21.

“We currently manage around 20,000 properties for older people across England, and are committed to providing residents with a quality service. At Barbara Glasgow House and Harmony House, we are planning a programme of investment works including a communal makeover, replacing bathrooms and kitchens, and installing Appello digital emergency call systems.”

Housing 21 says it will use the acquisition to boost its property portfolio, to managing over 20,000 properties for older people across England.