Worcestershire to see "new generation of retirement homes"

Building work has commenced on a new extra care housing site in Malvern, Worcestershire, which developer Festival Housing predicts will be the first of many in the region.

Clarence Park Village will consist of 101 apartments and will combine skilled care provision with a community lifestyle, enabling older people to enjoy independent living while having access to any specific care-related needs that might otherwise impact upon their well-being.

Festival Housing’s chief executive, Guy Weston, speaks of the growing need for such developments, saying: “Clarence Park Village marks the start of a new generation of retirement homes in Worcestershire. We want to acknowledge that people over 55 have high expectations of the homes they want to live in. We hope Clarence Park Village will exceed those expectations. We look forward to launching the new village to all those interested at an event on 23 October 2012.”

Mr Weston was joined by local MP Harriett Baldwin to begin the demolition of the site’s current buildings, taking joint-charge of a JCB to get work under way.

The Conservative MP for West Worcestershire commented: “With the population over 85 set to double over the next 20 years, extra care villages have a crucial role to play in keeping older people out of care homes and hospitals.

“They also allow couples to live together longer when only one partner needs care.

“This is the first extra care village in West Worcestershire and I congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to get the project started.”

Alongside homely and spacious accommodation, the village itself will include extensive leisure and fitness facilities, an IT suite and a beauty salon, as well as a restaurant, bar and wellness centre.