WORK is set to start on a new £11.2 million extra-care facility in Romsey, as civic chiefs push plans forward.

Hampshire County Council leader Roy Perry announced that the demolition of the controversially-closed Nightingale Lodge is to begin early into the new year, making way for the new facility on Great Well Drive.

This is set to provide 54 one and two bedroom affordable housing flats for both rent and shared ownership, a separate space for community use, as well as communal gardens and a secluded courtyard.

Councillor Perry said: “Recent changes in social housing legislation have removed some of the difficulties that extra-care housing developments, such as Nightingale Lodge, have been experiencing. As a consequence, I have been able to agree the next steps in the process that should see the appointment of a developer by the end of the year.

“I am confident, therefore, that we will see demolition of the old Nightingale Lodge site begin in the new year, with building work starting soon thereafter.

“During the past few months, the county council’s adult social care and property teams have been working extremely hard with the support of our partners on Test Valley Borough Council, to move things forward. We will all be delighted to see the construction of this valuable amenity for the Romsey community begin.”

It is anticipated, that the Nightingale Lodge development will open by the summer of 2019.

The news has also been well received by Romsey councillor Mark Cooper.

“[I am] very pleased to see progress on the provision of a new Nightingale Lodge. Over the last three years I have constantly pressed the county council to get on with this project which will provide much needed affordable homes for older people.

“We already have a plentiful supply of private market accommodation for the elderly in Romsey but these are very expensive. There is a real need for quality, affordable accommodation such as the extra-care development on the Nightingale Lodge site.

“I am also given to understand that the day care facilities provided at the nearby ‘Masters House’ will be incorporated into the new build. I trust the transition from the current facility to the new is seamless.”

As reported, planning chiefs approved the plans for the facility back in May.

The total scheme will be undertaken by the county council and housing association Family Mosaic. However the £11.2 million facility, which has been in the pipeline since 2014, was dependant on a contribution from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) and other grant sources.

TVBC provided a £1.62 million Affordable Housing Grant in December last year.