Housing 21, a not-for-profit housing association, is proposing to build a new affordable housing scheme on land in Moreton Road in Upton, consisting of 80 apartments for older people.
The Extra Care development, in partnership with MBE Construction and Wirral Council, will address the shortage of specialist housing for older people.
Survey and design work has commenced, and full plans are being presented to members of the local community, giving an opportunity to learn more about the scheme, ask questions and make comments.
The public consultation event will be held on Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 18 August from 4pm-6pm where there will be a presentation from representatives from Housing 21, MBE Construction and Jennings Design Associates. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about the development.
All properties in the scheme – designed by Jennings Design Associates Architects – will be affordable, for social rent. There will not be any market housing built on the site.
The scheme is specifically designed for older people, allowing residents to live independently while at the same time having care and support close at hand if required. Residents will have their own self-contained homes and there will be Housing 21 care staff on site 24 hours a day.
James Hogarth, Property Development Manager at Housing 21, said, “We are excited to develop this high-quality Extra Care scheme in Upton. Extra Care living offers older people the opportunity to live independently in their own homes, while having access to on-site care if and when needed. The site on Moreton Road is well-placed to serve the people of Upton and beyond. We look forward to working with the council to deliver what we know will be a valuable resource for both the residents and the wider community at large.”
In addition to the 80 new homes, the development will provide a range of communal spaces including a residents’ lounge, a bistro café, a hair salon, an assisted bathroom and a guest suite. The café and hair salon will be open for use by members of the community in Upton.
Steven Dempsey at Jennings Design Associates, said, “We collaborated closely with developers, contractors and the local council to produce a design that would both support the ageing community in the local area but also fit in with its characteristics. These characteristics included the neighbouring grade 2 listed St Joseph’s church.
“Consequently, various traditional forms and structures in the neighbourhood influenced the architectural language we used to design the extra care scheme for the area. Examples of contemporary detailing included Juliette balconies, contrasting brickwork and lightly framed glazing. These have all helped to create a community space with character and interest that is outwardly inviting.
“Our approach to design was to set the building lower and occupy the pitched roof space. This allowed us to apply domestic scale wings to either side of the primary elevation. This gave the scheme a prominent central hub and softened the transition between the residential and community building elements along Moreton Road.
“Through its design and layout, the building will provide high-quality independent living for the over 55 community. It will enhance the surrounding residential area and while integrating with it. The scheme will give its new residents the care and support they need to improve and maintain their standard of living.”
The scheme will provide job opportunities for local people in the area.
For an access link to the virtual consultation, please email: moretonroad@housing21.org.uk 
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