Birmingham City Council and the ExtraCare Charitable Trust have announced proposals to develop a retirement village on a 5.8 acre site in Shaftmoor Lane, Acocks Green, as part of the partnership’s five-village development programme for the city. A detailed planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of this month and the £43 million Village could open as early as 2015.
Designed to offer local older people an independent future the proposed Village will provide 278 one and two-bedroom apartments available for affordable rent and purchase. Homes will surround a community-based Village Centre with health and leisure facilities accessible to residents and local older people, their families and volunteers. Facilities will include a restaurant, gym, craft room, IT centre, well-being suite and landscaped gardens.
Residents with significant care needs which will be supported by a dedicated village staff team, in some cases extending to 24-hour care. In addition, the Village will deliver specialist dementia support as well as preventative health advice to encourage independence and mobility in all residents.
During its development, the Village will provide up to 200 construction jobs, as well as over 30 care and support roles when it opens.
The Village forms part of a local masterplan to redevelop the former Lucas Works Factory site on Shaftmoor Lane. Set up by Shaftmoor Properties Limited Partnership (SPLP), proposals also include a new Morrison’s supermarket and the development of 120 family homes. In total, the masterplan is expected to provide 400 jobs on the site.
Cllr Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Once built, the village will provide affordable housing, state-of-the-art facilities and excellent services that support older people in terms of independence, mobility and quality of life.”
Nick Abbey, Chief Executive for The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, said: “This proposal demonstrates our charity’s ongoing commitment to develop at least five villages within the City. We know there is a significant demand for good quality, affordable homes where older people can cherish their independence in a community setting, enjoy activities and know that care is available if they need it.
“I believe the Shaftmoor Lane Village proposal will deliver these qualities, building on the success of our first Village in New Oscott which is now over-subscribed.
“We expect to announce plans for another Village later this year.”
