Bolton’s first retirement village has opened, promising a “life-changing” impact on residents.
The £12.5m Lever Gardens Court scheme, built off Dearden Street in Little Lever, has been one of the most anticipated developments the borough has seen in recent years.
It includes more than 60 new flats for people over the age of 55, each with their own fitted kitchen, bathroom and modern living area.
Lever Gardens resident Pauline Burns said: “The staff here are fantastic and I’ve quickly become close friends with many of the other tenants.
“There is already a strong sense of community here and I’ve been busy enjoying a lot of the onsite activities, it feels like it’s given me a new lease of life, I’ve even started baking again.”
Mayor of Bolton Cllr Andy Morgan and Mayoress Karen Holdsworth with resident Pauline Burns (centre) (Image: Dominic Holden)
Her feelings were echoed by Kathleen and Michael Morris.
They said: “We love the community feel at Lever Gardens, and the level of quality support we’ve received since moving in.
“It gives us the peace of mind that if anything were to happen to one of us, then the other would be cared for in a safe and secure environment.”
The scheme was commissioned by the council and will be managed by Bolton at Home, the borough’s biggest housing provider, for people over 55 who need some care to live on their own.
Bolton at Home group CEO Noel Sharpe said: “Extra Care developments like this one are all about enabling people to live independently for as long as possible in safe and spacious surroundings.
“Residents have their own home with their own front door, but with the peace of mind that care and additional support is there when they need it.
“Being close to shops, amenities, other healthcare services and bus routes also supports that independence.
“We’re thrilled to see the enormous benefits it is providing for the people that live here.”
Sean Hornby, who represented Little Lever and Darcey Lever as a councillor when the plan was put forward said the scheme has broken new ground in the borough.
He said that the then-chief executive of Bolton at Home, John Lord, had shown him the plans at the very beginning of the project.
Mr Hornby said: “When the idea was first thought of Bolton had never had anything like this before and John Lord came to see me and asked if he could show me the plans and the rest is history.”
He added: “The old building where the 26 flats had been before was long past its sell by date and needed to go.
“It was nice to be part of it and speaking to residents, as I have been doing frequently, they are going to love it.”
The first residents arrived in April and the site, built by Caddick Construction is now almost fully occupied.
An official opening event was held by Mayor of Bolton Cllr Andy Morgan, council leader Cllr Nick Peel and chief executive Sue Johnson.
Cllr Morgan said: “Lever Gardens Court is more than a building, it’s already a thriving community.
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“We had a lovely afternoon talking to the residents that live there and we were even invited into their apartments to see their personalised homes.”
The opening event was also attended by cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing Cllr Sean Fielding and Bolton at Home chair Ian Munro.
Cllr Fielding said: “Lever Gardens is a fantastic place that stands proudly as Bolton’s new flagship extra care housing offer.
“It’s no surprise that nearly all the apartments have been snapped up, and now it’s our challenge to secure extra funding to create more places like this as demand for independent living increases across the borough.
“I was hugely impressed by the building and the facilities which are top notch, but also by talking to the staff and residents who are happily making it such a safe, secure and welcoming place to live.”
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