Cedric Dennis retires from JRF, leaving a legacy of innovative building
Cedric Dennis, the man behind the building of the UK's first retirement community in York, retires himself today after 29 years with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF). Responsible for some of North Yorkshire's most significant developments in sheltered and affordable housing, he has also overseen the building of several homes for people with special needs.
Cedric joined the Foundation in 1976, having been Chief Housing Officer with Ryedale District Council. He has served the Foundation in various roles and is currently Director of Business Properties.
Highlights of his career include:
- Clementhorpe, York: Between 1978 and 1982, the JRF carried out urban renewal work at Clementhorpe, improving properties for sale. In order to build Clementhorpe Court, a sheltered housing scheme, the JRF had to obtain a test-case ruling in the courts that charitable housing associations could develop leasehold schemes for older people, paving the way for others to follow.
- Rowntree Wharf, York: In 1988 the JRF bought Leetham's Mill, converting the former Rowntree plc warehouse in the centre of York into flats and offices.
- New Earswick, York: JRF pioneered the UK's first ‘mixed tenure' scheme in Juniper Close, with homes available for renting, shared ownership and outright sale.
- Woodthorpe, York: In 1994, the Foundation opened Woodlands, the first estate in the UK built entirely to ‘Lifetime Homes' standards, where housing is accessible and adaptable so residents do not have to move out if they become infirm or disabled.
- Dormary Court, Charles Court and Alder House, York: the first two of these hostels were built for residents with learning difficulties in partnership with MENCAP, and opened in 1984 and 1993 respectively. Alder House (1996) was developed with York and District Cerebral Palsy Society.
- Hartrigg Oaks, York: The UK's first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) opened to residents in 1998. Cedric Dennis has since provided advice and support for organisations in other parts of Britain planning to establish similar communities where the unique financial arrangements for residents include an entitlement to home care, or residential and nursing care provided on-site, if needed.
Cedric was also responsible for the Foundation's award-winning CASPAR (City-centre Apartments for Single People at Affordable Rents) development in Birmingham. Designed to regenerate an older urban area in the city and provide accommodation for working people who are not ready or able to start buying their own home, the scheme opened in 2000.
Lord Richard Best, Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: "Heartfelt thanks go to the near-legendary Cedric Dennis who retires from the JRF Directorate at the end of this month. After 29 years at the centre of our operational activity, he leaves behind a huge legacy of important buildings which will outlive us all. He has been a mainstay of the organisation, endlessly sorting out so many of our practical affairs, and his presence will be sorely missed."
