Plans for Stafford retirement village to go on show

Plans for a major new retirement village in Staffordshire will go on display for the first time in March.

The extra care development of 118 apartments will be on the site of the current county council offices in Riverway, Stafford.

County councillor Matthew Ellis, cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, said: "This is a tremendous opportunity to help people maintain their independence in the heart of Stafford. As they get older and their health circumstances change, the support available in the new Riverway development can change with them.

"This sort of development means people can live a more normal and fulfilling life safe in the knowledge that there is 24/7 care available on demand if needed.

"We promised in June 2009 to increase the number of extra care places available to buy or rent from 400 to over 1,500 in four years. We are on track for over 2,000, meaning even more people will be able to maintain active, flexible and enjoyable lives as they get older or their health changes."

The development forms a key element of the county council's plans to dispose of sites vacated as a result of the construction of the new town centre Staffordshire Place offices.

The new retirement village would consist of a mix of apartments for people aged over 55 with a variety of needs. As many apartments would be suitable for couples, the number of residents could be around 200.

They would be focused around a communal hub, including a restaurant and bar, a community shop, a hair salon, a lounge, a computer room and a fitness area. The plans will be on view at the Riverway offices on March 2 from 4pm to 7pm and March 5 from 10am to 1pm.