C&C Housing Trust has opened Grace House, the 170-apartment scheme in St John’s Wood that replaces Dora House, a later living scheme demolished in 2020.

The development is the first large housing project completed by the Trust since it merged with the housing association Aster Group in early 2022.

About 60 former residents of Dora House have moved back to the new development, which contains 153 affordable living apartments and 17 for private rent.

The amenities include a communal lounge, several gardens (including a roof garden and winter garden), flexible activity spaces, a gym and space for a café and salon.

Julia Ashley, business development director at Aster Group, commented: “Grace House is the benchmark for modern affordable living. It is built to be fully adaptable and provides elegant accessible housing for people as they age. Sustainability is at the heart of the development with solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

“It is a flagship development for C&C and Aster which reimagines what over-55s supported living can be. We’ve not only built an amazing home for our residents in St John’s Wood, we’ve also created a blueprint for how the entire Group will invest in expanding our portfolio to include more specialised facilities that meet the evolving needs of our customers across the south.”

Lee Smith, a Grace House resident who previously lived at Dora House, said: “Grace House has 100% been worth the wait. It’s big and modern, making it suitable for friends and family to visit – we have a lovely balcony and wonderful view. It brightens your whole outlook.

“It was the thought of moving back to Grace House that helped us get through the lockdown period. You’ve got your own outside space and balcony, and a modern kitchen. It’s just lovely, new, and sparkly.”

Social housing leader and member of the House of Lords, Lord Richard Best OBE, will officially open the site at a ceremony in late-October.