East Village will offer unprecedented facilities for residents with disabilities–
East Village, currently the Athletes Village’ for London 2012, has once more opened its doors to world-class athletes as it plays host to 4,200 Paralympians from 165 countries for the Paralympic Games taking place from 29 August-9 September 2012.
Designed from the outset for a time beyond the Games, the Paralympics is just the beginning of the East Village journey to becoming one of the most accessible and inclusive neighbourhoods in Europe, open to residents from next Summer.
East Village has been designed to ensure that all residents – including those with disabilities - will all be able to benefit from its outstanding homes and world-class facilities. And with the Queen Elizabeth Park just a stone’s throw away, anyone moving into this exciting new neighbourhood will be able to enjoy the Olympic facilities such as the iconic Aquatics Centre. The Village is also serviced by the new DLR Stratford International station which is fully accessible.
Whilst all homes have been temporarily adapted for the arrival of the Paralympians, post-Games just under 10% of the 2,818 homes will remain kitted out to cater for residents with disabilities. These 240 homes (including 10% of the Village’s Social Rent and 8% of its intermediate and market homes) have been designed to exceed industry standards set by HABINTEG. In addition, all homes within East Village are ‘Lifetime Homes Compliant’, meaning that the space can adapt according to the needs of the resident.
Adapted homes will have design features to allow for chairlifts, hoists and rails to be installed throughout, kitchens have been designed for wheelchair users, all electrical switches will be easily accessible and there will be downstairs bedrooms and bathroom facilities in all homes of more than two storeys.
East Village will provide 2,818 private, affordable and sustainable homes offering a much-needed aid to London’s housing needs. The properties range in size from 1-bedroom apartments to 4-bedroom townhouses with fully accessible homes available throughout the 11 residential areas in the Village and within all tenures. Any home that requires adaptation for individual occupiers can be delivered at no (or minimal) additional cost, ensuring that a move to East Village is as smooth a transition as possible.
The wider neighbourhood has also been designed to accommodate residents with disabilities and the amenities of the community can be enjoyed by everyone. There will be dedicated disabled parking for maximum access, charging points, illuminated and level entrances, wide doorways and large lobby spaces which are wide enough for at least two wheelchairs. Access to each of the buildings within East Village is also consistent, with gently sloping ramp access ensuring the process of moving from home to outside transport is step-free and straightforward.
Speaking on behalf of QDD, Stuart Corbyn, Chairman of QDD East Village Operations adds: “The Paralympic Games will showcase the incredible facilities for disabled residents and visitors both within East Village and the wider Olympic Park. We are committed to delivering an exciting new neighbourhood for London that will be enjoyed by everyone for years to come and look forward to welcoming, once more, the world’s sporting elite to E20.”
Elliot Lipton, Director of Triathlon Homes comments: “Accessibility has been a cornerstone of our plans from the very start, and our vision for East Village post-Games and as part of the Olympic legacy was always to create a sustainable residential community that was fully integrated, irrespective of people’s physical ability.”
