A brand new housing with care scheme for older people in Kirkby has been
renamed Bailey Court in honour of local resident, the late Mr Bill Bailey.
Work is now steaming ahead at the development which is being built on the site of the former Holly Vale sheltered flats’ on James Holt Avenue. Completion is expected in August 2012 when the scheme will provide 34 purpose built apartments for older people with individualised care packages and a qualified on-site care team.
The building will also include a dining room/restaurant, hair salon, assisted bathing room, IT suite and an attractive landscaped courtyard garden, complete with an ornamental lake and sitting out areas.
Mr Bailey’s widow, Doris, was accompanied by her family to see how work was progressing on the development along with representatives of Knowsley Council, Cosmopolitan Housing Association, Knowsley Health and Wellbeing and care provider Local Solutions.
Mr Bill Bailey was one of the founder members of Knowsley Older People’s Voice and had lived in Kirkby with his wife Doris for the past 50 years. Yesterday, Mrs Bailey laid a ceremonial brick in honour of her late husband and his contribution to older people’s services and the community.
Speaking at the site, she said: “With all the work Bill did in the community, it’s lovely that they have chosen to name this development after him, and that his contribution will be remembered. He would have been really pleased.”
Cosmopolitan Housing Association purchased the site from Anchor Trust in March 2010 and obtained planning permission for the new development from Knowsley Council, which will be involved in nominating residents to the scheme.
Mike Pearmain, Project Manager for Cosmopolitan Housing Association, said: “Bailey Court is Cosmopolitan’s second extra care scheme in Knowsley and we’re very pleased to be working with our partners at Knowsley MBC to help raise the standard of housing and care provision in the borough. We are all looking forward to seeing the benefits this development will bring to the local community once it is up and running.”
The scheme is being developed in partnership with Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC) and NHS Knowsley with funding support from the Homes and Communities Agency and Knowsley MBC. The project team comprises; Brian Young Architects, Tweeds Employers Agent, PSD Mechanical and Services Engineer, McKenzie Associates and Lockwoods Construction (Liverpool) Ltd.
Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, Cllr Dave Lonergan, said: “It is the council’s vision to provide a mix of the highest standard housing and care provision for the people of Knowsley. Bailey Court will be a real asset to the community and is a great example of effective partnership working. I’m also delighted that the scheme has been named in honour of Mr Bailey, who made such a big contribution to the community.”