Project leaders celebrate start on second Extra Care scheme

Developers have officially marked the start of work on the second extra care scheme planned for Dudley, with the ‘turning of the turf’ at Whitehouse Street in Coseley.

Over 60 officials and specially invited members of the local community witnessed Carl Larter, director for new business and development at Midland Heart, Linda Sanders, director of adult, community and housing services at Dudley Council, and Fraser Mercer, managing director at Frank Haslam Milan making the first cut.

Guests attended a breakfast briefing at the Roseville Methodist Church on School Street in Coseley, where prospective customers were given the chance to pitch questions to developers before moving on to see where their potential future home might be at the Whitehouse Street site.

As an affordable option for Dudley’s over 55s, the complex is designed to promote independent living, with 72 one and two bedroom apartments for rent and shared ownership. Communal leisure facilities including a shop, restaurant, library and fitness centre will form a focal point for the community living there.

Midland Heart is working in partnership with Dudley Council as part of a commitment to developing high quality affordable housing, and this represents the second of five extra care schemes planned for the borough by 2015.

Carl Larter said: “Since we embarked on this project the partnership has gone from strength to strength. The success of the final scheme and services will be dependent on our engagement with prospective customers in the area at every stage, and we are delighted to have their support on such a significant day.”

With contractor Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) appointed earlier this year, Whitehouse Street follows in the footsteps of Midland Heart’s flagship scheme at Russells Hall, Dudley, which commenced work in November 2009.

Linda Sanders added: “There has been a real momentum about this project. This is our second sod cutting in a matter of months, and today, with support from the local community, we are another step closer to making our vision of affordable, independent housing for our older generation a reality.”

Commenting, Fraser Mercer said: “We are excited about starting work on Whitehouse Street after weeks of site preparation. FHM is delighted to be working in partnership with Midland Heart to provide independent living for Dudley’s over 55s.”

Whitehouse Street is due for completion in summer 2011.