Green light for Meridian’s £4.3m care home

INDEPENDENT North West care homes operator Meridian Healthcare has won planning approval for a £4.3m old peoples’ home in Tameside, which will create 40 jobs.

Hyde-based Meridian, which has 27 care homes across in the region and in Yorkshire, hopes the Millbrook facility, will open in autumn 2011,

The new care centre, is on the site of a former school, within a conservation area, will provide en-suite accommodation for up to 45 residents.

Meridian managing director Susan Firth said: “Millbrook will be a great example of how to provide high quality long term care to older people.

“We are very selective about what and where we build care centres. Our research tells us that the site is in an excellent area and in a prime position to offer excellent services to the local community. 

“As one of a small number of providers who have achieved Good and Excellent ratings across the board, we are looking forward to adding this superb care centre to our portfolio.”

The building will also incorporate hi-tech features including a free WiFi service for its residents and visitors.

Last year Meridian had a turnover of £26.4m. It employs more than 1,200 people.