Construction has commenced on the transformation of a disused and vandalised former Preston bowling club into a supported living complex for adults with learning disabilities.
Manchester-based property lender, Together, has provided a £1.75m loan to developers Weaver Finch to create 13 hi-tech apartments at Mornington Road.
The complex will form part of Lancashire County Council’s supported living service and include car parking, communal spaces, and gardens.
The apartments will be equipped with sensors and other assistive technology to enable residents to live independently with 24-hour background support.
Alex Bodie, head of social housing at Together, said: “Weaver Finch has built a fantastic and well-deserved reputation in delivering top quality supported living and extra care developments.
“We were hugely impressed with their vision for the Mornington Road site, which has been disused and unloved for many years, and delighted to have been able to provide the finance facility to help our partners achieve their ambitions.
“There is a severe shortage of good quality supported living in the North West and across the UK and this development will allow its new tenants to receive the care and support they need while living independent lives.”
The development, which is expected to be completed by December 2023, has been designed by Preston-based David Cox Architects and will be operated by Care Housing Association.
Tom Bamber, director of 2XL Commercial Finance, based in Manchester, introduced the funding application to Together on behalf of Weaver Finch.
Andrew Hynes, director at Weaver Finch, said: “This will be a flagship scheme, utilising the latest assisted technology to keep tenants safe whilst also maximising independence in a well-designed and welcoming environment. We’ve had tremendous support from all our partners, including Together, and it’s great to see this project taking shape.”
County Councillor Graham Gooch, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Lancashire County Council, said: “This will be a very welcome addition to our Housing-with-Care strategy, enabling people to receive the care and support that is person-centred, promotes independent living, helps them to be connected to their family, friends and communities, and helps to keep them safe.
“This will support vulnerable adults with disabilities, promote self-care, reduce social isolation and loneliness, while supporting them to live independently at the same time. This facility is part of the council’s strategy to support vulnerable adults, allowing people to lead fulfilling lives, with their own self-contained accommodation and their own front door, enabling them to increase their independence, health and quality of life.”
