A hundred new residents have been shown around Birmingham's first ExtraCare Charitable Trust retirement village in New Oscott, which is being built in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Midland Heart and The Homes and Communities Agency.

Despite testing economic times, Birmingham City Council expects the village to be ready ahead of its anticipated completion date of April 2010. Other villages being planned include one in Pannel Croft and a further two schemes in South Birmingham.

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It will provide around 260 one and two-bedroom apartments. Facilities will include a restaurant, café, bar, gymnasium, IT suite, library, hairdressers, well-being suite, activity rooms. Residents will also have access to 24-hour support and care in their own village home, through a dedicated team.

The New Oscott village has provided around 200 hundred construction jobs and will employ up to eighty local staff when the scheme is open. The village centre will be open to local residents (55+) to join in the activities and facilities. The impressive design of the village was informed by feedback from older people.

Thousands of households have already registered an interest in the village and today saw the first 100 view the village as it nears completion.

(CD/KMcA)