Peterborough deafblind charity expands housing provision

Deafblind UK is extending its provision of housing by converting offices into flats

A former office is being converted into homes for people who are deafblind with additional needs.

Peterborough-based charity Deafblind UK is converting some of its offices in Rainbow Court, Paston, into two flats.

The Rainbow Court complex opened in 1963 to provide homes and specialised support for deafblind people.

The office space is no longer needed as staff work from home so it will become more living space. The charity supports people with sight and hearing loss.

Nikki Morris, charity chief executive, said: "Each flat will be fully accessible and have appropriate equipment to support more complex disabilities."

Built by Deafblind UK in 1963, Rainbow Court was the first of it's kind in the country

Rainbow Court is a supported living complex where people who are deafblind can live independently with the assistance of specialist support workers when they need it.

Whilst the accommodation and community areas have been upgraded over the years, this is the first major development work to be undertaken.

Work started this week and is due to go into the new year.