Councillors praise Worksop housing development after site inspection

Councillor Simon Greaves, front, and colleagues at the Priory Court development in Lowtown.

Priory Court is being built on the site of the former Abbey Grove sheltered accommodation scheme in Lowtown, and is expected to open late next year.

Councillors, staff and their counterparts from A1 Housing were given a guided tour to inspect progress on the development, which is being built by Woodhead Living.

Councillor Josie Potts, who represents Worksop south east ward, was thrilled by what she saw.

She said: “This is a fantastic addition to our community and will give the older generation of residents a modern and friendly place to live.

“It also looks like it will be a fantastic looking building and will really help to lift the area.”

Chris Tutin, Woodhead surveyor, said: “We are well into the 20-month design and build programme and are now at the second-floor level.

“In the next month we will start to roof the second floor and progress onto the three storey elevation.

“The good weather is helping the bricklayers and we would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we are on site.”

The centre will eventually consist of 52 apartments which will be made available to elderly residents.

The project is being spearheaded by the council and A1, with funding provided by Homes England and Nottinghamshire County Council, who will provide extra care services for 37 residents, allowing them to as live as independently as possible.

Coun Simon Greaves, council leader, said: “As a nation we are living longer and have a growing elderly population, especially in this part of North Nottinghamshire.

“This type of accommodation will provide residents with joined-up services and also reassurance that care is on site 24 hours a day if needed.”

The former Abbey Grove building was demolished in autumn 2017.

Sam Bunting, for A1, said: “I helped move people out of Abbey Grove into our other independent living centres in Bassetlaw and really enjoyed helping the former residents settle into their new homes.

“As supported housing manager it’s great that I’ll be able to welcome lots of new residents to Priory Court, and maybe a few old ones too.”