Orbit and Appello partner to successfully upgrade 16th-century independent living site

The solution and result

Appello’s Smart Living Solutions was selected to upgrade Malt Mill Lane.

Planning required seven design options, working closely with Appello’s solutions architect to create various options for Stratford District council to agree on - it took almost a year to meet council approval. Solutions included excavating cabling underground, using existing structures like irrigation pipes to hide cables, and creating a second server room in a Grade I-listed communal laundry room. The CAT5 cabling work was very well received.

For listed properties, modifications were made to the SLS hubs, including plastering and decorating walls to match heritage standards. Block paving was labelled and reinstated exactly as before. Despite the complexities, once planning approval was received, the project was completed in nine weeks, delivering a fully compliant, high-quality solution well-received by Orbit and their residents.

“From an Orbit perspective, we were extremely happy. It was a huge challenge. It took 16 months and seven design options to get the option that was acceptable to the planning departments. It was a huge relief to me to get the acceptance after so much work and weekly site meetings had been done. There was a lot of hard work that went into mobilizing the start of the project and managing to a successful conclusion, and we did that… The site delivery teams, in terms of access and standard of workmanship, have been excellent. The end product was excellent as well, and now we’ve got a system which is fully digital compliance ahead of 2025 and it’s been very well received by our independent living team.”

Christian Halford, Capital Delivery Contracts Manager at Orbit

“Our scheme officers are really pleased with the system. It provides them with the onsite HQ data and gives them so much more information… Orbit’s overall project with Appello and upgrading numerous developments sites has been a real success – and it is fantastic to tick this one off the list as well.”

Graham Holliday, Service Development Officer at Orbit

Find out more about Smart Living Solutions

Appello is a technology enabled care (TEC) provider specialising in digital warden call systems and telecare solutions for housing and care providers.

Appello’s Smart Living Solutions (SLS) enables housing providers to embrace fully digital telecare systems, improving safety, compliance, and resident experience. Designed with flexibility and innovation, SLS meets the challenges of modern housing needs.

Discover how Smart Living Solutions can support your developments with reliable, future-proofed technology tailored to your requirements.

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