Visual plans for multi-million pound extra care development revealed

Blackburn with Darwen Council has released images showing how a new multi-million pound extra care development could look.

The Shorey Bank complex will have 119 units, which will be a mix of apartments and independent living apartments.

On Monday, councillors announced Keepmoat as the preferred bidder to help bring forward the plans.

Councillors hope Shorey Bank will build on the success of the Kingsway Extra Care scheme, which opened last year, and Spring Bank Court.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, executive member for health and social care, said: “We are still in the early stages of this exciting development but as the visuals show, it has the potential to be another excellent facility for the borough.

“We’re in tough times and money is tight for everyone but this council has a great record of bringing investment in to the borough, meaning developments like this are possible.

“It’s in close proximity to Darwen town centre and has good public transport links so will have a very positive impact for the whole area. “More and more people are living longer so the public sector has to shape services to meet the needs that arise from that.

“We know from Kingsway and Spring Bank Court how good these developments can be. The council is committed to building such high quality and fit for purpose housing because they enable older people to enjoy their retirement in a safe, secure and vibrant environment with secure facilities on their doorstep.”

David Ward, managing director of Keepmoat’s northern region, said: “We’re naturally thrilled to have been named as the preferred bidder for this exciting scheme which will bring new homes and facilities to support the borough’s older residents.

“The Shorey Bank project has been in the planning since 2010 and the Blackburn and Darwen Council should be praised for its dedication to bringing forward this development in these difficult economic times.

“Keepmoat and its partners, Together Housing Group, Housing 21 and Capita Symonds, are delighted to be selected as preferred bidder and are looking forward to working with the council and local community to develop our proposals for the Shorey Bank development.”