AN £11.2 million extra care facility in Romsey is poised to open its doors this summer, a local authority has confirmed.

Nightingale Lodge, Great Well Drive, will offer residents 24-hour care and is set to open two years later than planned.

The ‘Extra Care’ accommodation has been built by Places for People, Living Plus, and is aimed at people who have either existing care, or who anticipate needing support in the near future, Hampshire County Council (HCC) revealed.

The scheme will offer 37 affordable rented homes and 17 shared ownership homes, plus a variety of facilities that can be used by residents and the community.

These include a wellness suite, hair and beauty salon, a restaurant and landscaped gardens.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.

Housing and environmental health portfolio holder, Cllr Phil Bundy, said he was excited by how many people had already shown interest in the scheme.

He said: "It’s brilliant to hear about the level of interest from the community in this scheme that is so needed in the borough.

"Romsey is a thriving, beautiful historic town and with the location of Nightingale Lodge, it’s no wonder we’re off to a great start.

“Affordable extra care housing is vital and that’s the reason why we have invested in this project. I’m sure interest will only grow as we work our way towards completion this summer.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

HCC's executive member for Adult Social Care and Health, Cllr Liz Fairhurst, said the accommodation will be modern and is well-suited for people who "may be at a point in their lives where they need additional support", but don't want to go into residential care.

She said: "Extra Care developments provide maximum independence, but with care and support onsite 24/7.

"I would urge anyone over the age of 55 who may be at the point where they need that extra bit of help and who is considering a move, to register their interest as soon as possible."

"Extra Care developments are also under consideration in the Kings Barton area of Winchester, New Milton and Aldershot," the council added.

Anyone interested in affordable rented apartments in Nightingale Lodge or in any of the County Council’s other Extra Care schemes should contact extracare@hants.gov.uk.

Information about Nightingale Lodge shared ownership apartments is available from social housing provider, Living Plus (part of Places for People) via: https://www.livingplus.co.uk/find-a-home/nightingale-lodge.