Extra care scheme to be built in Widnes

Public Sector Tue, Mar 22, 2016 5:28 PM

Building work will soon start on a new extra care scheme for older people in Widnes.

The £6m Halton Housing Trust development will offer 50 apartments - 32 will be allocated for social housing rent, 12 for shared ownership and six for outright sale, whilst five supported bungalows will also be built on site.

Located on Ashley Green (off Dundalk Road) in Widnes, the development will join the Trust’s growing portfolio of specialist housing for older people and will be similar to Naughton Fields, the Trust’s much praised older person’s scheme on nearby Liverpool Road.

The scheme, designed by Manchester based PRP Architects, is expected to cost £6million to build, which includes funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Paul Mullane, the Trust’s director of development and investment, said: “It’s fantastic news that we received planning and funding for the scheme as there’s a shortage of this type of housing for older people in Halton.

“The site will follow a similar model to our Naughton Fields development, offering independence and choice for the over 55’s. Classed as ‘lifetime homes,’ the scheme will most likely attract buyers and renters who want to be supported in later life if their needs change. Residents tell us that they love living at Naughton Fields so we are sure we can replicate its success with this new scheme.”

Pingot will have its own café and activity room offering a range of activities and events.

The first stage of the work will be the demolition of the existing former Pingot Day Centre, the building of the new scheme will start in the New Year.