Work begins on major £10.4m care scheme

CONSTRUCTION has begun at The Abbeyfield Society’s 84,000 sq ft care and dementia scheme in Bingley.

A foundation stone has just been laid at the site, where Bardsley Construction is construction the seven-floor site, with 47 apartments and 30 rooms and a day centre for older people in the nearby community.

Leeds-based Brewster Bye Architects have designed the scheme and work is expected to completed in June 2016.

Established in 1956, the Abbeyfield Society is a charity that has 487 houses in the UK in which more than 8000 older people live in a supported environment.

Natasha Singarayer, chief executive of The Abbeyfield Society, said: “As with all of our developments, Abbeyfield looks to maintain the ethos of our founder Richard Carr-Gomm that older people should be warmly welcomed to join in and participate in society. I’m particularly delighted with the plans for the day centre which supports our ‘making time’ proposition, where people are warmly welcomed through our doors.

“Together with the help and vision of many, this development is going to have a significant positive impact on the lives of older people within this local community.”

Keith Brewster of Brewster Bye Architects, which has designed the scheme, says: “From the outset, the brief here has focussed on creating a standout development which surpasses everything else in the market.

“The scheme is specifically designed to feel modern and light, whilst also being highly functional and this will create a superb environment to live in.

“The development also complements the existing streetscape and respects the amenity of neighbouring buildings, which was another key consideration.”