The turf turned for Extra Care

A new Extra Care development got underway in Dudley when over 60 VIPs and members of the community turned out for a breakfast briefing and ‘turf cutting’ ceremony to mark the scheme’s launch.

Located at Whitehouse Street in Coseley, the scheme is intended to form an affordable option for the over-55 age group, designed to promote independent living. It will feature 72 one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent and shared ownership. Communal leisure facilities will include a shop, restaurant, library and a fitness centre.

Over 60 officials and specially invited members of the local community witnessed Carl Larter, director for new business and development at Midland Heart, Linda Sanders, director of adult, community and housing services at Dudley Council, and Fraser Mercer, managing director at Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) making the first cut.

Guests attended a breakfast briefing at the Roseville Methodist Church on School Street in Coseley, where prospective customers were given the chance to pitch questions to developers before moving on to see where their potential future home might be at the Whitehouse Street site.

Midland Heart is working in partnership with Dudley Council as part of a commitment to developing high quality affordable housing, and this represents the second of five extra care schemes planned for the borough by 2015.

“Since we embarked on this project the partnership has gone from strength to strength. The success of the final scheme and services will be dependent on our engagement with prospective customers in the area at every stage, and we are delighted to have their support on such a significant day,” Midland Heart’s Carl Larter.

With contractor Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) appointed earlier this year, Whitehouse Street follows in the footsteps of Midland Heart’s flagship scheme at Russells Hall, Dudley, which commenced work in November 2009.

Dudley Council’s Linda Sanders added: “There has been a real momentum about this project. This is our second sod cutting in a matter of months, and today, with support from the local community, we are another step closer to making our vision of affordable, independent housing for our older generation a reality.”

Fraser Mercer, from FHM, said: “We are excited about starting work on Whitehouse Street after weeks of site preparation. FHM is delighted to be working in partnership with Midland Heart to provide independent living for Dudley’s over 55s.”

Whitehouse Street is due for completion in summer 2011.