Avenue Grove

Avenue Grove opened to residents in May 2018. It was St. Michael’s Centre first social housing development for older people who are capable of independent living. It is located on the site of the former residential home, Avenue House, Ballymoden Place, at the heart of Bandon town. The development consists of nine independent living homes only 2 minutes’ walk from Riverview shopping centre, St. Michael’s Centre and all local amenities.

Each home was built to be energy efficient and low maintenance, comprising of a fully equipped kitchen/living room, bedroom and bathroom, all are wheelchair accessible if necessary. Eight of the homes are for single occupancy and one is suitable for a couple. All have their own secure back garden with an elevated area suitable for planting flowers. The houses were designed in a courtyard style which facilitates and enhanced sense of community between residents. The seating outside each home and in the courtyard creates a space for socialising between residents. The surrounding area is landscaped and planted. Each house is alarmed, front doors have a double lock mechanism and all back yards are secure. CCTV provides overall cover to the nine houses. The feedback from our residents is that they feel very secure in their environment.

The residents of Avenue Grove have created their own neighbourhood, individually they have given a little of themselves, personalised their homes and become part of the Bandon town community. St. Michael’s Centre has employed Sharon Ryan to support the residents engage with the community and continue to live independently. It is the Board of Management’s ambition to continue to develop housing suitable for older people in Bandon.