GCI Credits: Images and apartment concepts courtesy of Brock Carmichael.
Community consultations have begun around the redevelopment of derelict land at Burnley Hospital, which will be transformed into 90 accessible extra care apartments and a community hub.
Along with lead provider, The Calico Group, partners from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Burnley Borough Council, the University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire County Council, Participation Works and architects, Brock Carmichael are working closely with people in the area to progress and develop the much-needed scheme.
The £14m development will be the first of its kind in Burnley, intended to provide specialist assisted living accommodation in a neighbourhood setting, aimed at improving people’s quality of life and reducing social isolation. This will be designed primarily for people aged over 55 who require extra support while maintaining as much independence and dignity as possible.
The first community consultation provided valuable engagement and feedback from members of the public, allowing them to have their say on the new local development and share their own experiences, along with several local organisations who support older people.
This included talks around the inclusion of enclosed balconies to the apartments. Points were made around the importance of future residents having safe, secure access to fresh air and the positive impact this can have on general wellbeing. Bespoke design elements could also be considered to accommodate those with additional needs and manage any potential risk.
There are currently no housing options of this type in the local area for people who require a specialist level of support. This project will provide practical housing within easy reach of local amenities and Burnley Hospital. The Calico Group hopes that the apartments and community hub will have a positive impact on the wider community and help make a real difference to people’s lives.
Wendy Malone, Director of Development at Calico Homes, said; “It’s great to hear such insightful comments from the consultations. We are keen to include the general public in this process and will take in to account the feedback to create safe, efficient homes for those who need them. Although it’s still in the early stages, I look forward hearing more from local people as this project develops.”
Councillor Lian Pate, Burnley Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s exciting to see this proposed scheme to provide specialist medical support to improve the quality of life of local people. I’ll be following this project closely and I’m glad that people have been given the opportunity to give their views on this scheme.”
Michael Cosser, Partner at architects Brock Carmichael, said; “We bring our experience in medical centres, assisting living, regeneration and place-making to the table knowing how important this project is both to Calico Homes and to the town. This will be another example of how we work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary, public and private sector teams to ensure the project is delivered to time and budget. We look forward to helping to deliver this vital project to the town and to improving housing choice, health and wellbeing there with a project everyone can be proud of.”
