Colchester City Council and Colchester Borough Homes are proud to announce that Elfreda House has been shortlisted in the 2025 Essex Housing Awards, recognised in both the Meeting Housing Need – Specialist Housing and Medium Housing Schemes categories.
This marks the third consecutive year that Colchester has been shortlisted at the Essex Housing Awards, being named winners in the Small Housing Schemes category in 2024 for the Silver Band Close development in Boxted. This continued recognition underlines the Council and CBH’s continued innovation and commitment to providing high-quality homes for those in need.
Completed in late 2024, Elfreda House is a flagship independent living scheme for older residents, replacing a 55-year-old facility with 36 modern, self-contained one- and two-bedroom flats. The development was designed to promote independence, safety, and community, with features including:
- Communal lounges, rooftop terraces, and a hair salon
- Mobility scooter storage and accessible lifts
- Energy-efficient systems including solar panels and air source heat pumps
- Enhanced safety with sprinkler systems, CCTV, and secure entry
- Smart lighting and warden call systems
Delivered in partnership between Colchester City Council and Colchester Borough Homes, the scheme supports older residents to live independently while freeing up larger family homes elsewhere in the city.
Cllr Julie Young, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Elfreda House has been shortlisted in this year’s Essex Housing Awards. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams at the Council and Colchester Borough Homes. Elfreda House is more than just a building – it’s a vibrant, supportive community where older residents can live independently and with dignity. It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and thoughtful design.”
The Essex Housing Awards celebrate excellence across the housing sector, and Elfreda House stands out as a leading example of specialist housing delivered at a medium scale, with lasting impact for the local community.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 16 October 2025 at Hylands House.
Page last reviewed: 7 August 2025