WORK has officially started at the site of a former rugby social club in Coventry to bring new homes for local people living with disabilities.
Nineteen new apartments are being built at the site of the former Broad Street RUFC social club on Henley Road which will be specially designed for people with learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders and physical disabilities.
The accommodation will include assistive technology to enable people to live more independently.
The £4m scheme is being delivered by specialist supported living developer HBV Group in partnership with award-winning care provider Radis Community Care, registered provider Inclusion Housing and Coventry City Council.
The development is expected to be completed by the middle of next year with people moving in shortly after.
The new development also opens up a number of job opportunities in the local area for support workers and care workers.
Lord Mayor, Coun Kevin Maton undertook the first dig at the site in a special ground-breaking ceremony and said: “It might be a building site now, but soon, this spot will be a great asset for the city of Coventry, helping to support some of our residents who need a little extra help.
“Housing such as this is so important. In Coventry, we believe very strongly in an all-inclusive city where all people are helped to live involved lives in active neighbourhoods.”
Oliver Carroll, development director at HBV Group, said: “We are delighted to officially start work at this site in the heart of the community.
“We need to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society are well cared for and looked after in suitable accommodation. This development will put a lot of smiles on a lot of people’s faces when it is completed next year.”
Deepesh Patel, co-founder and executive director of Radis Community Care, said: “We are looking forward to supporting a new group of clients to live independently here at this development in Coventry.
“The scheme will offer a safe and comfortable base for our clients, who with our support, will be able to live the lives they choose as part of their local community.”
Visit www.hbvillages.co.uk for more information.
