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Blackberry Court Celebrates Award Win and Official Opening

5th December 2025

Sanctuary

A group of people gathered outside a modern brick building with balconies, standing in front of a sign that reads “Blackberry Court.” They are participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, holding a long purple ribbon stretched across the entrance. Many individuals have their hands raised in celebration, and the setting appears to be the opening of a new facility or building.

Sanctuary’s Blackberry Court retirement community in Streethay, near Lichfield, has marked a double celebration in the last week: winning national recognition at the Inside Housing Development Awards and hosting its official opening event.

The retirement community, which is managed by Sanctuary Supported Living, was named Winner of ‘Best Partnership – 100+ Homes’ and Highly Commended for ‘Best Supported Housing Development – Rural/Suburban’ at the Inside Housing Development Awards last week. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in residential housing development across the UK and highlight the hard work, innovation and collaboration that brought Blackberry Court to life.

Supported by Homes England funding and delivered in partnership with Keon Homes, Blackberry Court offers:

  • 78 retirement apartments
  • Facilities including a gym, spa bathroom, beauty salon, lounge library, and public restaurant
  • Adjacent bungalows within The Maples retirement village, providing shared ownership and social rent options

The official opening event was a joyful occasion, bringing together residents, local councillors, and community representatives. Highlights included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Madame Mayor Claire Pinder-Smith and Kathy, the first resident to move into Blackberry Court, who described it as her “forever home” where she feels “safe and supported”. 

Craig Moule, Sanctuary Group Chief Executive, and Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, Chief Operating Officer – Commercial, delivered inspiring speeches that reflected the vision behind the development. Guests enjoyed beautifully presented canapés, hot chocolate, branded cupcakes, and festive songs performed by The Friary School choir.

A sunny outdoor scene featuring three people walking along a wooden pathway in a garden. On the left, an older woman with glasses and short white hair wears a pink floral dress and white shoes, smiling at the camera. In the center, a middle-aged woman with brown hair, wearing a casual outfit and a lanyard, walks alongside the older woman. On the right, an older man with a shaved head and a casual gray shirt and jeans also walks, smiling. The garden is filled with colorful flowers and greenery, creating a vi

Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, Chief Operating Officer – Commercial, said:

Blackberry Court is more than just a development – it’s a vibrant community with wellbeing, comfort, stability and connection at its heart. Winning an award and celebrating the opening together shows the positive impact Blackberry Court will have on people’s lives.

Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, Chief Operating Officer

Dave Soothill, Sanctuary’s National Development Director, said: “Blackberry Court is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. It has delivered much-needed new homes in a vibrant, sustainable community, and we’re extremely proud to receive this national recognition.”

Blackberry Court is Sanctuary Supported Living’s 33rd retirement community and sets a new standard for homes that promote independence, reduce loneliness, and foster health and happiness.

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