Throughout February and March, Gloucester City Homes (GCH) is launching 31 new homes at Clearbrook Court in Kingsholm, replacing the old sheltered housing scheme, Sherborne House which was opened in October 1971 by Princess Margaret. The original plaque has been restored to mark the launch of the new building 50 years later.
Ashley Green, Chief Executive at GCH said “The previous Sherborne House was an innovate building of its time, built 50 years ago. But sadly it suffered from shared toilets and bathroom facilities, rightly becoming an issue for residents or future residents, meaning homes were becoming difficult to let. We therefore took the decision to replace the building to deliver brand new modern affordable housing for our residents including 22 two-bed and 9 one-bed flats.
Robert Panou, Head of Assets and Development as GCH said “We were keen to maintain the historical link to our prestigious new building, remembering the history in the new name and its links with the Royal opening by Princess Margaret. Clearbrook Court is the new name of the former Sherborne House, taking its new name from the Saxon meaning for Sherborne which is ‘Clear Stream or Brook’ after the town in Dorset.”
The Royal opening in October 1971 
Images kindly shared by Gloucestershire Archives and with permission from the Citizen archive
Clearbrook Court has been built by local company Aqua Construction. Jason Wasley, Managing Director of Aqua Construction added “This has been a challenging but enjoyable project due to the unusual pedestrian access routes via external stairs, walkways and balconies. The completion of Clearbrook Court is the 125th home that we have built and delivered for Gloucester City Homes, strengthening our already successful partnership in delivering affordable homes across the Gloucester community.”
City Councillor Andrew Gravells, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy at Gloucester City Council said “Clearbrook Court is a brilliant example of replacing outdated housing with modern and high quality new affordable housing. I’m pleased that Gloucester City Homes are continuing to make a difference to people’s living conditions, and providing modern and warm accommodation which people can call home “
Bhupinder Gosal from Homes England added “Despite the current challenges affecting the country, accelerating housebuilding remains our number one priority. We are committed to supporting Gloucester City Homes that have ambitions to build new homes and our investment through affordable housing grant allows us to do that. We’re delighted that this funding enables Gloucester City Homes to deliver much needed new homes at Clearbrook Court in Kingsholm.”
Asif Bhatti, Chair of GCH continued “I am delighted with the new homes and although we are only in early March, Clearbrook Court represents GCH’s 55th brand new affordable home in 2021, GCH’s 289th home since we became independent in 2015. This is a great achievement which benefits many who are on the waiting list for suitable affordable housing within the City.”
