A multi-million-pound affordable housing and extra care development has officially opened in West Cumbria.
Harbour Place, located on Lawson Street in Workington, offers 107 homes for people over 55 and those with extra care needs.
More than 60 residents have already moved into the site, which opened earlier this year, and some extra care apartments remain available.
The development features dementia-friendly designs and fully adaptable homes with walk-in showers, fitted kitchens, living rooms and dining areas.
Communal facilities at the site include a café, restaurant, landscaped garden and hairdressing salon.
Harbour Place is delivered in partnership between Riverside and Cumberland Council, which provides revenue funding for care and support services.
ONS census data found that Cumberland has a higher proportion of adults in the 65 and over and 85 and over age groups than the national average.
Paul Dolan, chief executive of Riverside, said: “Harbour Place is already a fantastic place to live with a strong sense of community and the latest state-of-the-art care facilities for those who need it.
“I am grateful to our colleagues at Cumberland Council for helping us to provide these much-needed homes and services and I would encourage anyone who is interested in the extra care apartments for either themselves or a loved one to contact the team and find out more.”
Karen Bell, assistant director of operations at Cumberland Council, said: “We are delighted to see Harbour Place officially open in Workington, and for it to already be making a positive difference to residents’ lives.
“This development provides high-quality, affordable homes that support older people to live independently, safely and well, with access to care and support when they need it.
“Harbour Place is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships. Working with Riverside, we have been able to deliver a development that puts the needs of local residents at its heart and creates a place where older people can enjoy independence, security and a strong sense of community.
“If you live in or around the Workington area, are aged 55 or over and have care or support needs, we encourage you to contact the Riverside Harbour Place team to find out more about the homes available.”
Sara Pears, Harbour Place resident, said: “The opening event was amazing! I love living at Harbour Place. Since moving here, I feel content and more confident. The carers are outstanding, I feel safe and I’m living my best life while making friends along the way.”
The official opening ceremony took place on Thursday July 16 and included speeches from Paul Dolan, chief executive of Riverside, and John Glenton, chief care and support officer at Riverside.
During the event, residents buried a time capsule containing official deeds for the site, photos of Workington and architectural designs, followed by a private party featuring a buffet and music.
A programme of regular activities is now available at the site, including bingo, film nights, a gardening club and coffee afternoons.
