Work has officially begun on a £12.4m housing and care development in Darwen, Lancashire, that will provide homes for people over the age of 50 with an assessed need for care.

Above: Local dignitaries pose for ground-breaking, along with Keepmoat construction director Jeff Hook on the right

Keepmoat is building the 119-home scheme for Together Housing Association, along with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

The Darwen development will have 85 self-contained apartments, with some communal facilities including a resident’s lounge, restaurant, hair & beauty salon and gardens. 

A further 34 two-bedroom bungalows will also be built on the same site for applicants over the age of 50. 

Completion is expected by spring 2018.

Keepmoat area director Frank Mondino said: “We have worked in partnership with Together Housing and Blackburn Council on previous projects and this scheme embraces our shared vision of providing quality housing options for the ageing population in Lancashire.  We have delivered substantial extra care and specialist projects for older people and this new facility in Darwen will not only provide a safe environment, but the on-site amenities will enhance social inclusion.”