Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Ken McGlashan joined pupils from Holy Family Catholic Primary School and Plus Dane Housing to open a new, much needed, supported housing development in Knowsley.
The scheme in Halewood, called Arncliffe Gardens, was designed by JDA Architects and includes a total of 77 affordable apartments, including 58 aimed at over 55’s with a housing and support need, as well as 19 homes for younger people with additional needs, learning disabilities, autism or mental ill health.
The development includes a guest suite, modern lounge, hair salon, access to on-site security system and maintenance, on-site care team, as well as a therapeutic sensory garden.
The opening ceremony was centred around the burying of a time capsule that has been filled by pupils from Holy Family Catholic Primary School. The school is opposite Arncliffe Gardens and pupils have been watching the building grow out of the ground over the past 2 years. Pupils from the School Council joined the Mayor McGlashan to bury the capsule, which won’t be opened for a least 50 years.
Knowsley Council supported this initiative by providing the land for the development following the demolition of a former primary school in 2018. Homes England also supported the development with grant funding and the FRC group supported the development with high quality, socially ethical, furnishings.
Ian Reed, Chief Executive of Plus Dane, said: “We know how important quality supported housing is. It changes lives. It allows people to live safely and independently for as long as possible. The provision of supported homes in England is now falling, at a time when demand for these vital services is increasing. We need more developments like Arncliffe Gardens, with its high-quality finish and fantastic facilities. It will be a lovely place to live and we are really proud of what we have built, in partnership, here in Knowsley.”
Gemma Hardy, Managing Director, Vistry Merseyside and Cheshire West, said: “We are delighted to have completed this scheme on schedule, delivering a state-of-the-art facility for our partner Plus Dane. As a mixed-tenure developer, we recognise the vital importance of providing homes for all needs and we know that these extra care apartments will really enhance the supported living offer in Knowsley.”
The first residents are due to move in during the summer. If you are interested in applying for a home at Arncliffe Gardens, email: Arnclifferoadextracare@plusdane.co.uk
