Work starts on £11m homes scheme for over 55s

BUILDING work has started on an £11 million development for independent living at Padgate, Warrington.
Housing group Torus has started the scheme on the site of the former Bayleaf Restaurant.
The state-of-the-art complex will provide homes for people over the age of 55 who want to live independently but with the added reassurance that flexible care and support is available, should they need it.
Torus chief executive, Rob Young and chairman, Graham Burgess invited local councillors Diana Bennett and Graham Friend to the site on Harpers Road, to walk through the plans in more detail.
Mr Young said: “Purpose-built developments like this are an important part of our development programme.
“We want to give people in later life the opportunity to live independently and affordably, in their own home at the heart of a vibrant community.
“Fundamental to this is the peace of mind that if their needs increase over time, support is available right on their doorstep.”
The cutting edge development will provide 97 apartments for affordable rent and sale through shared ownership. It will also boast a spacious community lounge, hairdressing salon and bistro facility, all ofwhich will be open to the local community.
An existing and much run down bowling green will also be restored for use by the local club and wider community.
Cllr Bennett said: “I’m delighted to see that local Crown Green enthusiasts will still have use of a bowling green as part of the new development and am looking forward to playing on the green myself when it is completed”
The Harpers Road complex is the latest addition to Torus’ growing portfolio of homes designed to support independent living at every stage of life.
Completion of the development is expected February 2020.