Rowan House flatters pictured at the opening of Rowan House

It was all smiles and clapping at the grand opening of RealPeople@Rowan.

"It's been huge.  When I walked in it was just warm," flatter Kenneth Campbell said.  "The old house was difficult, to put it lightly.  This is huge."

It is just over a year since the campaign was launched to give flatters a better supported accommodation facility.  The previous house had been renovated but because it was not purpose built, residents had trouble getting around the building.  It had also flooded twice in the past six years.

Flatter Margaret Johnston said the old building had been dingy and cramped.

"It was horrid, really, trying to get around corners in the wheelchair," she said.  "It's a huge improvement.  My rooms much bigger than my old one and everything is accessible."

The sun shone on about 200 people there to celebrate the facility's opening, many representing community groups that had helped, others whose friends and family had a new home.

Manager Ross Boniface said the main difference the new home would make for flatters was an element of normality.

"It's about life being as normal as it can be.  Flatters get the freedom and the personal space." he said.  "They are flatmates with their own rooms who share dining and social spaces."