10/03/11 - Ground breaks at £10.3m Extra Care Home

The development was marked in the event last Friday when the project partners - Thomas Vale Construction, Housing 21, Sandwell Council, and the Homes and Communities Agency – gathered together to celebrate the turning of the first patch of earth.

Goldfield Court will provide 92 new self-contained apartments for the over-55s, including rented and shared ownership properties. There will also be community facilities including a shop, restaurant and hair and beauty salon.

Ian Cox, development and partnership director at Thomas Vale Construction added: “This is great news for local economy, providing much needed work for local supply chain partners, along with new training opportunities for those looking for a career in the Construction sector”

Julia Godwin, development programme manager for Housing 21 said: “We are delighted to see construction of Goldfield Court getting underway. This new extra care scheme will provide residents with a safe and secure environment in which to live an independent lifestyle in a community setting.”

Councillor Linda Horton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for adult social care, said: "This is an exciting step forward in the development of Sandwell's latest extra care housing facility.

"This will provide high quality accommodation and increased choice and independence for local older people as well as new facilities open to the whole community."

Apartments at the new scheme, which has received funding of £5 million from the Homes and Communities Agency, will each have a fully fitted kitchen and walk-in shower with non-slip flooring to the kitchen and bathroom. Staff on-site will provide care and support, tailored to meet individual needs.

Rob Kilby, investment and regeneration manager for the HCA, Midlands said; “Goldfield Court is going to be a fantastic facility for the local community and we are pleased to be supporting Sandwell Council and partners at Housing 21 and Thomas Vale to deliver this important project for the area’s elderly community.”

Goldfield Court is due to complete in 2012.