A look at the plans for Audley St George’s Place in Edgbaston and one might think they were looking at a scheme for a new five star hotel.

It is certainly luxurious enough, but this is not for a tourists, it is for retirees.

It is being built in Church Road on the site of The Old Royal School For The Deaf Children, which was opened in 1814 by Dr Jean Gabriel Marie De Lys, a refugee from the French Revolution.

School buildings were put up between 1819 and 1901. It eventually passed on to the Princess Royal Centre (SENSE) before it closed in 1984.

The first phase of the project is not due for completion until Autumn 2016, but CGIs show the design will take in two Grade II listed Regency villas, a restored Edwardian school house and a collection of attractive new buildings which will house 95 stylish apartments.

At the heart of the project will be the Audley Club, which has amenities to match a country house hotel.

There will be treatment rooms where profesisional beauticians and therapists can offer spa treatments, manicures, pedicures, massages and facials, plus a hair salon. An indoor swimming pool will be ideal for relaxation and exercise, as will the fitness studio.

A bar and bistro with lovely views will offer drinks and dining on the doorstep. There will also a library and lounge for some peace, quiet and a chance to relax with a book.

Apart from these attractions, St George’s Place will allow residents to enjoy their independence while taking away the worry about the upkeep of a large house and garden.

Help and support will be available when needed – whether it is a hand with domestic tasks, doing the shopping, walking the dog or feeding the cat, or assistance with going to bed or getting up, following an illness, live-in help or care at night. The first Audley retirement villages were built in Tunbridge Wells and Harrogate back in 2000. Audley St George will be the 10th.

There will be 35 properties in the first phase of the Edgbaston development, 40 per cent of which have already been sold.

Properties range from £295,000 for a one-bedroom apartment up to £655,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. There are also cottages in both the first and second phase of development. A two-bedroom house is for sale at £580,000. Sale of the apartments and cottages are being handled by Robert Powell. For more information about St George’s Place, contact Audley on 0121 2388 707 or www.audleyretirement.co.uk, or call Robert Powell on 0121 454 6930 or www.robertpowell.co.uk.

VIEWING INFORMATION

AGENT: Robert Powell

TEL: 0121 454 6930

WEB: www.robertpowell.co.uk

GUIDE PRICE: £295,000 - £655,000