To celebrate the occasion, the first warden to manage the development also returned to cut the ribbon to officially mark the opening of the garden and a range of other work as part of an £83,000 environmental improvement scheme. 

Sheila Thompson was the warden at Burbank Court when it first opened in 1987 and is now a resident in the development. Sheila joined the current staff and other tenants at the ceremony to officially open the updated facilities. 

Burbank Court is a collection of five buildings that offer homes for people aged over 55 or who have care needs. The development provides 48 self-contained homes with the security of 24-hour support if needed, while at the same time offering the chance to get involved in a ready-made community. 

Housing support co-ordinator who currently manages Burbank Court, said: “It’s really great to have this work done as it offers some brilliant new facilities and upgrades on the grounds. 

“The new garden is just outside the main communal lounge and will be a lovely place for residents to sit and enjoy, especially during the summer months. It will also help people to get out and mix with each other, which will reduce social isolation and increase community spirit among the residents.” 

The newly developed garden includes a hand-built pergola, trellis, seating, and new paving and planting. As well as the garden, there has also been a range of improvements elsewhere on the grounds, including increased residents’ parking, replacement of uneven surfaces and planting around the site. 

The client worked with contractor Brambledown to carry out the work and staff who completed the development returned to join the opening ceremony. 

John Woods, environmental specialist, said: “We’ve carried out a wide range of work which will make Burbank Court an even more attractive, enjoyable and adaptable place to live.  

“Within supported living developments, some people do have mobility issues so this type of work helps to improve access and generally upgrade the facilities on offer in the grounds. We involved residents and staff in the development process, asking them about the kind of facilities they wanted to see. 

“The work started in December last year with the aim of having the garden up and running for people to enjoy right throughout the summer, and I’m pleased that we have completed the work in good time.” 

The development at Burbank Court was funded through Thirteen’s environmental improvement fund and is one of many projects that Thirteen is working on at supported living schemes across the Tees Valley.