A project to transform derelict Burnley Hospital land into new apartments, with 90 units of extra-care accommodation and an inclusive community hub, have been announced this week by The Calico Group.
This announcement follows the recent transfer of the former Burnley General Hospital site on Briercliffe Road, from the Health Trust to The Calico Group.
The ambitious development is a first for Burnley; aiming to provide specialist assisted-living accommodation in a neighbourhood setting where health, support services and community activities can come together to improve people’s quality of life and reduce social isolation.
The first phase of the development would include 90 apartments of accessible extra-care homes for local people over 55 with extra support needs, within easy reach of local amenities and the hospital.
Extra care housing comprises self-contained homes with design features and care and support services that help people to remain independent for as long as possible. It can offer many different levels of support, which can be altered as care needs change. Currently there are no dedicated Extracare schemes in the town.
Although the proposals are at an early stage, Lancashire County Council and Calico are now working together to develop proposals around the extra care-support. East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and Burnley Council are supporting the development.
A second development phase could also build more housing units for other client groups with specialist needs and Calico are speaking to partners to identify more ways the development could potentially make a real difference to people’s lives.
“We are delighted to be able to share these exciting new proposals for the former Burnley General Hospital site. We are committed to investment in Burnley, and this development will help to create and safeguard a significant number of jobs at a time of economic uncertainty.” said Wendy Malone, Director of Development for Calico Homes.
“This is a brilliant opportunity to work collaboratively, providing homes and specialist services to people in a beautiful setting where they have access to everything they need and the right support on-hand.
“We know that extra-care accommodation is much needed within the local area and this would make an enormous difference to people’s health and well-being. The benefits will be felt across the wider community and we’re looking forward to consulting on our proposals in the coming months.”
James Maguire, Director of Estates and Facilities, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “This is the first development of its type in the area, a hugely important project for all the stakeholders involved who all share the same aim, to serve the people of East Lancashire.
“We believe this has the potential to improve health and wellbeing, offering new ways of living and working together to improve lives.
“We are pleased to be working with The Calico Group and the other partners in helping to bring this ambitious development to life.”
County Councillor Graham Gooch, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for adult services, said: “We plan to provide 1,000 new extra care units across Lancashire by 2025, with at least one scheme in each district. The scheme in Burnley is a key part of these plans.
“Extra care schemes are different to traditional care homes as they allow people to live more independently in their own home for longer. People still have access to 24-hour care provided by workers based on the same site, but they live in their own self-contained flat, with a kitchen, living room, bedroom and their own front door.
“Some schemes have communal facilities like cafes and hair salons. Extra care schemes are vital as people’s support can be tailored to meet their care needs as they change.
“The Burnley extra care scheme will be a great facility and we’re pleased to be working with Calico, Burnley Council and the NHS on this exciting project.”
Lukman Patel, Burnley Borough Council’s Chief Operating Officer said: “We are excited to see this exciting initiative moving forward. It will give greater focus to improving the health and well-being of Burnley people,
“At the same time, new employment opportunities will emerge as a result of this innovative scheme to create a new community care village within our town.
“We are also very pleased to see a number of public sector partners coming together again to deliver positive outcomes for our residents.”
Plans for the new development will be formally submitted to Burnley Borough Council in the new year. It is also expected that the project will result in a number of local jobs and apprenticeships over the next few years, as the work takes shape.
