Leading Northern Ireland-based firm Farrans Construction has struck a deal to deliver a new £50 million senior living village in England.

The multi-million pound development in Bedfordshire will consist of a 72-bed care home, eight-bed short stay unit and 88 independent living apartments for the over 55s.

The core building is designed by architects, Oliver and Robb and will meet dementia-friendly guidelines and the best of energy performance standards, known as Passivhaus, to deliver the healthiest of environments and help reduce the Council's energy demands in the future.

Work will take place on the site of the former leisure centre in Flitwick, beginning in February 2022 with the care home and independent living apartments due to complete in Autumn 2023.

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Cathal Montague, Regional Director at Farrans, said: "We are looking forward to beginning work on site in early 2022 and continuing to build on our strong relationship with Central Bedfordshire Council, as they progress with the agenda to deliver future-proof, high quality residential facilities for older people. We have recently started construction on Marigold House in Leighton Buzzard and we are approaching completion on Hendon Hall for Signature Living. Our team will be bringing our expertise and knowledge of the senior living sector to Steppingley Road older persons' village, meeting dementia-friendly guidelines and incorporating the highest standards of sustainability to achieve Passivhaus accreditation."

Cllr David Shelvey, Executive Member for Corporate Resources added: "Our housing stock needs to work for everybody, and this older person's village is a huge step forward in delivering our ambition to deliver variety in housing choice. I am looking forward to the moment when the development is opened.

"We know there is strong demand for healthy and safe later life living with people looking to live in supportive communities with good access to community facilities.

"This new community offers significant health benefits and more manageable social care costs. More than this, these vibrant communities will help people to remain independent for longer and enjoy their later years to the full."