|
WORK has begun on a specialist new retirement apartment development in Melton Mowbray – the first of its kind to be developed in the town. The former Express Dairy building at Rosebery Avenue, Melton, which had become derelict after being unused for around two years, has been demolished to make way for a £2.1 million joint venture between regional building company, Westleigh Developments, and Keystone Developments Ltd, part of the Longhurst Group, who specialise in the development of private retirement housing. Westleigh is now regenerating the half-acre former depot and storage facility site by building a three-storey block of private apartments which will be a mixture of one and two-bedrooms with a communal lounge, laundry and buggy store. The 21 apartments are to be marketed to the over 55's. The project is Westleigh's first venture into Melton and follows hot on the heels of a similar retirement complex recently built in Birstall, near Leicester, also in partnership with Keystone. The Birstall development proved so popular that sales staff struggled to accommodate the number of advance viewings booked.
Giovanni Corbo, a Project Manager in Westleigh's Business Development department, said the demolition and site clearing work was completed in time for building commencement in June, and it was hoped the units would be ready early 2007. “There is nothing like this development anywhere in the vicinity – the nearest is at Grantham,” he said. “The apartments are for outright sale, but still give the residents the support of a 24-hour call system, as well as some joint facilities. It has the added protection of CCTV security systems, so the residents will have their own independence but with added peace of mind.” The surrounding area is a mix of modern and Victorian terraced housing, so Westleigh has tried to design an attractive development that will complement the area, added Property Manager Matt Moore. “The design of this development has evolved after lengthy discussions with Melton Borough Council and taking into account neighbouring properties and its proximity to the town centre,” said Matt. “The scheme meets local needs without detracting from the amenities enjoyed by those already resident there. “Westleigh has always endeavoured to make its smaller town centre developments complementary to their surroundings and to take on board the views of local people. We're confident we now have a scheme that will be an asset to the area and which will fill a need for retirement housing in Melton.” |
