Colliers Gardens Celebrates 20 Years of Care and Community

This week, our Colliers Gardens Extra Care Housing scheme, located in the heart of Fishponds, is proudly celebrating 20 years of providing care and community with a special visit from the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, Peaches Golding OBE. The milestone anniversary was marked with a brass band performance and a week-long programme of celebratory events for residents, families and colleagues. 

Colliers Gardens first opened its doors in March 2006 following a special visit from Princess Anne. During her original visit, she met residents including Mary, now 93, in her flat on opening day. 

The scheme contains 50 self-contained apartments, providing high-quality Extra Care housing that enables tenants to live independently with tailored support, helping residents stay independent while accessing flexible, tailored care. There are still three original tenants living at Colliers Gardens today – Mary, 93, Anne, 85, and Mrs Ho 86 – have all called the site home since it opened 20 years ago. 

A week of special events has been organised to celebrate the anniversary, including live brass band performances, an intergenerational school visit, a community buffet, and a grand party to conclude the festivities. 

Over the years, Colliers Gardens has made strong links within the local community. The scheme enjoyed a close partnership with Bristol’s Chinese Community Wellbeing Societyf or more than a decade, regularly coming together to celebrate and share Chinese culture as part of the vibrant and diverse community at Colliers Gardens. 

Mary, an original tenant, said: “I’ve been at Colliers Gardens since the beginning, and it’s been a wonderful, safe and fun place to live. On the day Colliers Gardens opened, I was lucky enough to welcome Princess Anne into my home. I still have the same sofas she sat on when she came to say hello, it was a real honour. The carers here are my friends and I really look forward to seeing them every day.” 

Anne, another original tenant, added: “I love and have always loved living at Colliers Gardens. It’s my home and I feel so safe here. The carers are fantastic and the staff are excellent. There’s always so much to do here and Julie, the Care Home Manager, is brilliant!” 

Built on the site of former unused allotments, Colliers Gardens has become a thriving community hub in Fishponds, supporting older people to live independently while enjoying friendship, activities and high-quality care. 

As celebrations continue throughout the week, the anniversary marks not only two decades of care, but also the strong sense of community that makes Colliers Gardens a place tenants are proud to call home. 

Julie Walker, Colliers Gardens Centre Manager said: “It’s so great we can celebrate 20 years of fantastic care and community. It’s going to be a great week and it’s a very special celebration for the residents.”  

A huge thank you to the Colliers Gardens team for working tirelessly to arrange such a special week of events for our tenants and guests.