The scheme involves developing a 40-bed care home on the former Thornton's factory site in Derwent Street, as well as new library housed in the oldest factory on site, with the design showcasing the building's original architecture. Further plans include creating a pedestrian walkway to link the new site to town centre shops.
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The facility will replace Ada Belfield Home for Older People which no longer meets modern standards. Residents will be offered a home in the new care centre when it is completed.
Council Leader Barry Lewis and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Cllr Jean Wharmby, visited the site for a tour and to mark the start of work on site.
Cllr Wharmby said: "This new building will be a wonderful addition to the town and will provide high-quality care in modern surroundings."
Cllr Lewis added said: "Being on site brought back loads of memories of working at the Thornton's factory as a teenager.
"I'm delighted we have been able to retain the history of the site while creating a modern building offering the latest technology and all the services people expect in their library."
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