Top award for Dunstable's independent living scheme

Dunstable's landmark independent living scheme Priory View has been crowned the winner of a prestigious national award.

The Central Bedfordshire Council development beat off tough competition to be awarded Best Independent Living Scheme in the higher budget category at the Pinders Healthcare Design Awards.

Architects Kyle Smart Associates also scooped second award in the lower budget category for the Greenfields independent living scheme in Leighton Buzzard.

Council spokeswoman Carole Hegley said: “The development in truly innovative and we have worked hard to listen to our residents to ensure they can live independently for as long as possible, with access to support if they need it.”

Priory View was designed by Colin Smart of Kyle Smart Associates and opened in April last year.

It offers 83 apartments with shared facilities including five lounges, a cafe, bar and restaurant, electric car hub, hair and nail unisex salon, shop and foot clinic. There are also spa therapy rooms and a rooftop garden.