Residents at a newly refurbished council-owned building in Toothill have praised a fresh initiative designed to support people on their journey towards independent living.
Salzgitter Court, once used for sheltered housing, has undergone extensive refurbishment to bring 25 previously empty units back into use. The project, delivered under the Council’s Swindon Plan, is already changing lives for those who have moved in since July.
Last week (11 September), residents welcomed Councillor Janine Howarth, Cabinet Member for Housing, to share their experiences. Many spoke about how the scheme has helped them regain stability and plan for a brighter future.
Dane, who had previously been sleeping rough in local country parks, said:
“Salzgitter changed my life. A lot of people here were in stressful situations, but I’ve been able to make a lot of friends and this is a stepping stone pointing us in the right direction. This scheme is something I’ve never known before in Swindon.”
Shaun, another resident, added:
“I used to live in shared housing and was really unsettled. This has made a real difference to me, and it’s great to know I can go to live in my own place after here.”
Before refurbishment, the building supported sheltered housing tenants as they transitioned to alternative accommodation. Now, the focus has shifted to helping residents at risk of homelessness, reducing reliance on costly nightly-charged accommodation and preventing the need for more intensive council support.
Following her visit, Councillor Howarth praised the impact of the scheme:
“Each one of these residents has their own story to share, but the one thing that connected them in our conversation was their feeling of being safe and secure at Salzgitter Court. This project delivers on a key promise in the Swindon Plan to build a fairer Swindon. I’m proud that we’re not only preventing homelessness but also helping residents take meaningful steps toward independent living.”
Salzgitter Court is also developing as a community hub. Residents benefit from on-site support and connections with services including community policing, public health, community safety teams, voluntary groups, and community navigators.
The scheme has quickly become an example of how targeted investment and support can provide not just housing, but a foundation for hope and long-term independence.
