Wilmslow-based VVHC, the nationwide developer of specialised supported living accommodation, has appointed Bardsley Construction to deliver a £12.5m plus, extra care facility in Blackburn.
The 109-bed facility at Albion Mill will include 50 extra care apartments, 31 en-suite rooms for intermediate care and 4 rehabilitation apartments and is being developed for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the local NHS.
Two four-storey residential blocks will be linked by a three-storey building providing communal areas for use by the residents including dining room, TV lounge, library, hair salon, gym, consulting rooms, kitchen and staff accommodation. The development will also include provision of landscaping, parking, roadways and footpaths.
“We’re delighted to be moving forward with such a critical project for Blackburn,” said VVHC chief executive Roy Kenny. “By mixing extra care, specialised dementia care and intermediate care in one bespoke development we can deliver enhanced outcomes at lower cost to local authorities and clinical commissioners. Having a construction partner that understands our specific build requirements is key. We’re pleased we have Bardsley Construction on board.”
Work has started on site and is due to complete in December 2019.
Commenting on the project Cllr Brian Taylor, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “This project offers so much potential to improve the quality of life for our older people and help maintain independence. The health and social care sector is increasingly working in collaboration. We have modelled this scheme on the need for a more integrated and seamless approach. It is the first time in this borough that a range of services for older and infirm people will be brought together on one site. The intermediate care provision is jointly commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the borough’s Clinical Commissioning Group. It will be a great asset for our communities”.
WYG are the employer’s agent, Condy Lofthouse are the scheme architects with Thomas Consulting the structural engineers.