Dovestone Gardens, Burnley’s first purpose built extra care housing scheme on Briercliffe Road, is on schedule to welcome its first residents in April.
Before opening its doors next month, Burnley Council members, representatives from Homes England and colleagues from Calico Homes have been given a guided tour of the £16m extra care project.
Cllr Jack Launer, Burnley Council Executive Member for Housing, Health & Culture, said: “Dovestone Gardens represents a major step forward in how we are integrating housing and health in Burnley. These purpose-built homes provide a safe and supportive environment where older residents can live independently while having access to the care they need.
“It is about improving quality of life, reducing isolation and promoting wellbeing. This is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our communities and improves lives”
Councillor Lubna Khan, Burnley Council Executive Member for Growth & Development, said: “Dovestone Gardens is a great example of how investment in housing can deliver broader economic and social benefits for Burnley.
“This project has also driven job creation and supported apprenticeships. It reflects our commitment to sustainable development and ensuring that growth in Burnley benefits both residents and the wider community. It was a pleasure to join the tour this week, and I look forward to seeing the project come to life in the coming weeks.”
The facility, which began construction in 2022, has been created to support people aged 55 and over with specific support needs to live independently in their own home.
The tour took everyone through the 93-apartment complex, which offers a range of one and two-bedroom flats, communal meeting spaces, a large community garden and an on-site bistro.
The bistro – which is called Dempsey’s – will provide a space for residents, members of the public and visitors from Burnley General with an eatery that focuses on healthy meals and bringing the community together.
Whilst being guided around, the tour attendees were talked through the sustainable building processes and environmental impact of the project.
The project, which has been developed by construction company Ring Stones, also provided a great opportunity for many local apprentices who have gained their skills and qualifications during the build.
James Macaree, Managing Director of Ring Stones, said: “We are really proud of the work we have done so far, and it’s been brilliant to see the benefits of Dovestone Gardens across the whole town in providing work opportunities not only for young people but for many local people in the area including local suppliers”.