Liverpool-based healthcare developer VVHC is partnering with registered housing provider One Vision Housing, part of the Sovini Group, and contractor Carroll Build on the scheme. Tony McDonough reports
An empty tower block in Bootle is to be transformed into new hub for the care of local elderly people in a £15m project.
Liverpool-based healthcare developer VVHC is partnering with registered housing provider One Vision Housing, part of the Sovini Group, and contractor Carroll Build to bring forward the scheme in Church Walk.
VVHC has submitted a planning application to Sefton Council to re-clad the building and fit it out with new community facilities on two additional penthouse floors, including a communal lounge and top floor restaurant.
Residents will also benefit from viewing decks, a gym and yoga room, cinema roof, craft rooms and beauty therapy rooms – with neighbouring residents encouraged to use the facilities, which the developer says he hopes will become a community hub.
The aim, says VVHC chief executive Roy Kenny, is to “raise the bar” in terms of care standards and performance. He said: “Local people deserve the very best and that’s what they’ll get.
“Much of Sefton’s extra-care support is delivered in Southport, 16 miles up the coast, and that means local residents have to move away from their families and support networks. By developing this scheme residents can stay in their own community, which evidence tells us delivers much better care outcomes.”
All local qualifying residents, irrespective of their landlord, will be offered the option to be transferred to the 90 purpose-designed apartments, with specialised care infrastructure and staff provided by One Vision Housing alongside its nominated care provider.
Roy Williams, chief executive of The Sovini Group, added: “Subject to agreement with the local authority, this redevelopment will secure substantial investment in the area and help meet the demand for extra care housing provision in South Sefton.”
The property, built by George Wimpey in 1964 to a design by borough architect T Finlay, had originally been ear-marked for demolition. VVHC identified with its partners that it remained structurally sound and developed the funding model.