Over 300 Spectus Elite 70 System windows were used in the construction of a new build retirement village in Chorley town centre.

Chorley Council commissioned a 65 apartment retirement village to provide those aged 55 and above with an independent living space with access to care and support. The development, Primrose Gardens, is in the centre of Chorley and is part of the Council's strategic masterplan for the town centre.

The development partner for the build was Eric Wright Construction. The window contract on the build was awarded to Spectus Approved Window contractor JADE Window and Door Specialists, a family run company based in Batley with over 25 years’ experience in the industry. JADE won the contract because it was able to demonstrate its ability to meet the demanding requirements of the window specification and deliver the project in line with the reduced timeframe required.


The 65 apartments had over 300 windows in total. Thermal efficiency was a particular focus to keep running costs on the apartments to a minimum.

The Elite 70 System from Spectus was able to meet this requirement and within the budget. It is a five-chamber system, which increases thermal performance, meaning it is capable of achieving a Window Energy Rating of A+ and U-values to 0.8W/m2K. The system is Secured by Design accredited where a high level of security is a requirement.

Primrose Gardens' town centre location meant careful programming and logistics planning was required to ensure minimum disruption and safe access. The construction was also on a reduced timeframe to enable Chorley Council to start delivering services as quickly as possible.

JADE Window and Door Specialists are an experienced commercial contractor, so the team was able to take these factors into account and still deliver a high-quality installation to the timescale.

The construction was completed on schedule in Autumn 2019. Councillor Alistair Bradley of Chorley Council said: "What is important is that the scheme will not only provide much- needed affordable accommodation for older people in the town who may need extra care and support later in life, it will also bring residential areas back into the town centre which is part of our town centre masterplan. And it will also generate much-needed income for the council which is vital with the cuts in central government funding that can be spent on providing services to our residents."

For more information on the Spectus range, please visit www.spectus.co.uk or call 0808 101 4143.