READING Borough Council has released a first-look of its ongoing project at Hexham Road, in Whitley, where it is working on new homes and care service facilities.
A dedicated day opportunities centre for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities is to be developed at the site, as well as 42 one-bedroom flats.
The structural framework at the project has now been completed, which the council marked with a ceremony.
The event welcomed two residents, Susan and Marcus, who use adult social care services, who were invited to take part in a guided tour of the building site and taken to the rooftop, where they were treated to panoramic views of the borough.
The project is expected to be finished towards the end of next year, when residents will be able to use the facilities and move into their new homes.
When completed, the ground floor of the complex will be the day opportunities centre featuring a courtyard garden offering outdoor opportunities such as gardening.
Across three further floors, there will be one-bedroom homes–36 of which will be sheltered housing for people aged 55 or over–as well as six general needs properties.
The sheltered housing service allows people to live independently with the benefit of 24-hour monitoring for emergencies and the housing repairs service.
The new complex will be called The Willows in tribute to the care home previously on the site until its closure in 2019.
The next stage of work for construction partner Morgan Sindall includes building exterior walls and fitting windows.
Councillor Paul Gittings, Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, said: “This is going to be a great facility for Reading residents.
“In the Adult Social Care service, we aim to support the life that matters to our residents, so that means providing good quality facilities.
“This means purpose-built day care facilities with specialist equipment to match the quality of care from our staff.
“Visitors’ time will be filled with activities in supportive and attractive surroundings. I am sure the garden will be well used, providing a sanctuary and a beautiful outlook.
“This will be a fantastic facility for people who need to use our services, as well as for their families, who will know they are getting excellent care.”
Councillor Matt Yeo, Lead Councillor for Housing, said: “We need one-bedroom homes for people looking to downsize from bigger family homes, which can then be used for other families on our waiting list, or whose circumstances have changed.
“Affordable properties which have the security of having access to assistance are important for residents as well as the ability to be their own community.
“This will be a great asset to the town, helping those who live alone with affordable properties.”
