The ongoing regeneration of Longbridge has been given another boost after plans for a new £35 million retirement village were unveiled which is expected to create about 250 jobs.

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, the Coventry-based retirement village specialist, has bought five acres of land fronting Lickey Road to build 260 one- and two-bed apartments.

It has been designed by Birmingham-based architecture practice Nicol Thomas and is aimed at encouraging and supporting independent living.

At the centre of the village will be a hub offering communal facilities including a village hall, bar, restaurant, gym, IT suite, hair and beauty salon and shop, all of which will be accessible to residents and their families and also local people.

Up to 50 activities will also be on offer per week including choir singing, IT, woodwork, wheelchair aerobics and gardening.

At least 50 jobs are expected to be created at the village and 200 during the construction phase.

Mark Curran, development and sales director at The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, said: "Longbridge is a perfect choice for our next retirement village.

"It is an exciting, vibrant new community that offers an abundance of facilities for our residents. We are delighted to be part of its growth and to join the long list of facilities and high profile businesses there.

"Our exciting scheme will provide a modern alternative to traditional retirement accommodation. Homes will be modern, comfortable, spacious and affordable, and there will be wide range of social facilities for both residents and the wider community to enjoy."

Longbridge is undergoing a £1 billion regeneration led by St. Modwen Properties which has acquired large parts of the town centre over the past 13 years.

The project has already seen the creation of Longbridge Technology Park, Bournville College and nearly 400 homes.

Last week, the Government announced the town would benefit from a £8 million package of funding as part of a wider £357 million programme for the Birmingham area.

This includes the introduction of ultrafast broadband and an upgrade to Longbridge station, M42 connectivity scheme, enhanced links to the north and east of Birmingham and a cycle link scheme among others.

Mike Murray, senior development surveyor at St. Modwen, said: "We are delighted ExtraCare has decided to invest in Longbridge.

"This will be a welcome addition to the housing offer as well as creating even more job opportunities for local people.

"The retirement village adds to the site's variety and offers an all-inclusive community, while strengthening our aim to create both a successful business environment that delivers job opportunities and a sustainable community and destination for people to live, shop, learn and relax."

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust has submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council for the three- and five-storey retirement village, along with a new access road and roundabout, undercroft parking and landscaping.

Work is scheduled to begin early next year. It is one of at least five retirement villages planned for Birmingham as part of a £200 million development programme between The ExtraCare Charitable Trust and Birmingham City Council.

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