A £650,000 revamp of homes for the visually impaired has brought a new lease of life to a city woman's home of 35 years.
Sight loss charity Vision Norfolk, which supports around 4,000 people, has unveiled the investment into its Hammond Court accommodation, off Magpie Road.
The NR3 housing was built in 1980 but has been rejuvenated thanks to a legacy left to the charity.
Kate Pentney, a Hammond Court resident since 1988, had her bedsit studio refurbished into a one-bedroom flat.
Kate said: “I love it here, it gives me the freedom of being independent with my own front door, but with support available should I need it. I’m really happy with the improvements which have been made.
“The flat is now much less claustrophobic and more spacious. I really appreciate having a separate bedroom and being able to close the door on it when I have visitors. I look forward to living independently here for a long time yet.”
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All 20 flats have been significantly upgraded, expanding bedsit studios into one-bedroom flats, new kitchens and bathrooms, and adding patio doors in every flat.
Louise Bunting has lived at Hammond Court since 2003.
She said: “I am so happy to have a proper one-bedroom flat with a separate, private bedroom,” says Louise.
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“It has so much more space, and I am looking forward to making the most of the summer months by being able to go out into the garden via my patio doors.
"The refurbishment has definitely been worth it, and all of the residents here are very happy with their new homes.”
Hammond Court also has a resident’s lounge and sensory gardens.
The charity estimates a further 31,000 people could benefit from its support.
Vision Norfolk chief executive Andrew Morter added: “We have been extremely fortunate to receive a generous legacy which has enabled us to undertake this work."
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