A special ceremony has been held at Westhall Court on Sheldon Heath Road, the Meadway, Yardley to mark the completion of external works on a new extra care scheme for older people.

The 'topping out' ceremony involved Birmingham City Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr John Lines, viewing the scheme from the highest point on the scaffolding. Representatives of the project partners Housing 21 and contractor Willmott Dixon, attended the event.

Westhall Court will provide 87 two bedroom apartments for older people when it is completed in November 2010. The £9.8 million development has received £5.4 million of investment from the Homes and Communities Agency in the West Midlands and will support older people with a range of needs, with care and support staff available 24 hours a day.

-- Advertisement --

David O’Neill, Head of new business and sales for Housing 21 said: "We are delighted to see construction nearing completion. The new extra care scheme will provide residents with a safe and secure environment and enable them to maintain their independence."

The new scheme, which includes options for rent and for purchase on a shared ownership basis, will provide a focus for the local community who will be able to access communal facilities such as a hairdressing salon and restaurant.

Eamonn Burns, Operations Director for Willmott Dixon Housing said: "The scheme is progressing extremely well. We are delighted to be working with our partners Birmingham City Council and Housing 21 to deliver a very high quality scheme on time and on budget."

(CD/GK)