New living centre gets groundbreaking start

Work has started on a new supported living development for young adults with additional needs and disabilities in Blackburn.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place at the development on Apple Street in Blackburn, which is being delivered in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council, Inclusion Housing and Lifeways Community Care.

The development is being delivered and built by Homelife, a leading developer of bespoke supported housing.

It will provide 12 high quality apartments with a mix of private and communal landscaped gardens that has been commissioned and designed for adults with disabilities, who will also benefit from an on-site care team.

The development in Wensley Fold has been designed in two wings to create an individuality within the building and is set over two floors with a central office within the reception foyer and staff accommodation on the first floor.

It also includes a quiet room and a sensory room that opens into a secluded garden to the rear of the building.

Andrew Hopkinson, director of Homelife, said:

Blackburn with Darwen Council commissioned the development, having identified a need for specialist housing with support.  We are delighted that they chose Homelife to design and build the property and for their vision, support and approach.  The apartments on Apple Street will make a big difference to people’s lives, enabling them to live independently with support”.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

This is an excellent example of how working in partnership can give real benefits to the more vulnerable people in our community. The apartments and Gardens at Apple Street will help people with disabilities to live as independently as possible. Over the coming weeks and months I look forward to seeing this development take shape.”