Planning lodged to convert tower block into care hub for the elderly

Roy Kenny

Liverpool-based healthcare developer VVHC has submitted a planning application to Sefton Council to refurbish a 16-storey tower block in Church Walk, Bootle.

The scheme, to be delivered in partnership with registered housing provider One Vision Housing – part of the Sovini Group – and contractor Carroll Build, will see the empty Irlam House transformed into a new hub for the care of local elderly people.

The building will be re-clad and fitted 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: “Local people deserve the very best and that’s what they’ll get,” he said.

“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,” he added.

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, The Sovini Group chief executive, said: “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 earmarked for demolition.

VVHC identified with its partners that it remained structurally sound and developed the funding model that showed Sefton Council that it could meet its care obligations much more cost-effectively than using a standard approach.

“Our model is unique and delivers housing to the ‘lifetime homes’ design standard, providing much needed supported living accommodation at no capital cost to Sefton Council. It has become the benchmark in the sector,” said Roy Kenny.

Plans for Irlam House

Terry Carroll, managing director of contractor Carroll Build said: “We are excited to be part of this project, breathing new life into the building, which will result in the provision of high-quality extra care accommodation, as well as playing a key part in the regeneration of this area, helping retain a much-needed housing asset in South Sefton.”

Architect on the scheme, Andy Armstrong of Liverpool-based Condy Lofthouse, said: “These will be generously-sized homes carefully designed to meet the needs of elderly residents. The social infrastructure, in particular, will play a key role in residents’ well-being.”

Work is set to start on site this Summer, with completion expected in Autumn of 2020.

The finished scheme will provide 20 end-user jobs, with more than 100 construction jobs using Carroll Build’s extensive local supply chain during the refurbishment phase.

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