The 65% LTGDV facility, agreed over an 18-month term, will allow the developer to deliver 13 new apartments, as well as car parking spaces, a communal lounge and gardens.

Once completed, the development will be part of Lancashire County Council’s supported living service and will provide hi-tech homes for adults with learning disabilities who require support with everyday living.

The self-contained flats will have assisted technology, such as sensors to identify if someone needs support or to offer prompts for daily living, as well as assistive tech to support people to maintain their privacy and independence.  

Tenants will also have access to additional tailored support as part of a care package identified by their social worker.

As part of the Council’s new Good Neighbour scheme, someone who does not have support needs will live in one of the flats with the understanding that they will be a 'good neighbour', helping out with simple household repairs, picking up small items from the shops or inviting fellow tenants to the cinema, as well as being on hand in case of emergencies.

Charity and registered social housing provider Care Housing Association (CHA) will take over the operation of the setting once it has opened. 

Tyson Construction has now started work on the development — designed by Preston-based David Cox Architects — and is expected to be completed by December 2023.

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Alex Bodie, head of social housing at Together, said: “Weaver Finch has built a fantastic and well-deserved reputation in delivering top quality supported living and extra care developments. 

“We were hugely impressed with its vision for the Mornington Road site, which has been disused and unloved for many years, and we are delighted to have been able to provide the finance facility to help our partner achieve its ambitions.

“There is a severe shortage of good quality supported living in the North West and across the UK, and this development will allow its new tenants to receive the care and support they need while living independent lives.”

Andrew Hynes, director at Weaver Finch, added: “This will be a flagship scheme, utilising the latest assisted technology to keep tenants safe while also maximising independence in a well-designed and welcoming environment. 

“We’ve had tremendous support from all our partners, including Together, and it’s great to see this project taking shape.”

Pictured above (L-R): 

Front: Cllr Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult social care at Lancashire County Council; Alex Bodie, head of social housing at Together.

Back: Jeremy Whittle, MD at Tyson Construction; Neil Ashford, site manager at Tyson Construction, Scott Eastwood, Tyson Construction; Matt Illingworth, development director at Weaver Finch; David Lovelady, Lancashire County Council commissioner; Claire Boardwell, new homes officer at Care Housing Association; Matthew Eddisford, CEO at Care Housing Association; Philip Helm, business development director at Tyson Construction; Andrew Hynes, director at Weaver Finch; Helen Knott, architect at David Cox Architects; Mark Holden, development relationship director at Together; Tom Bamber, director at 2XL Commercial; Claire Judkins, BDM at Care Housing Association.