Ground broken on Preston independent living scheme

Work has begun on a new 60-home independent living development in Preston, designed to be fully wheelchair accessible and offer a range of care services.

The first of its kind in Preston and one of very few in Lancashire, the development will provide 24 hour support to residents with a range of support needs, from those with high level support needs, requiring daily care, to those with low/no care needs, who will benefit from support from staff members when needed.

In addition to the two bedroomed apartments, the scheme will also contain a bistro, hairdressers, treatment/consultation and activity rooms.

The facilities, along with the communal gardens, will be open to the general public, to encourage engagement with the wider community and neighbouring residents.

The project has been developed by the Community Gateway Association with Cruden Construction as the main contractor.

Councillor Brian Rollo, the mayor of Preston, said: “This independent living scheme has been a long time coming – I know, I was on the CGA Board six years ago when the first discussions were held about getting the finance and planning through. We’ve dug the very first hole today, there’s still a lot more work to do, be I’m sure it’ll be well worth it! I’m excited to see the finished scheme.”

Louise Mattinson, executive director of Customers and Communities, said: “When the scheme is completed, the building, and the services that we will be able to deliver for some of our most vulnerable residents, will be something that the local community and everyone involved in designing the scheme, can be really proud of."

Cruden Construction site manager Paul Hunter said: “Cruden Construction have worked on a few villages, care homes and schemes similar to this one, so CGA can rest assured they’re in good hands. Since we were appointed to this project back in March, we’ve worked hard to ensure the apartments are accessible; making the doors wider, ensuring level access with nothing above 15mm off the ground, to make getting around easier for residents and visitors alike.” The build, at Dovedale Avenue in Ingol, is scheduled to be complete in 2020.