TRAFFORD Housing Trust has appointed Wates Living Space to build a new 71-unit extra care development in Ashton on Mersey.

The affordable housing contractor will soon begin construction of the new 8,000 square metre development on Atkinson Road having erected hoardings around the site’s perimeter and undertaking preliminary ground works.

Alongside the one and two-bedroom homes, facilities at the development will include a number of internal and external communal areas, a hair and nail bar, resident lounges, an activity room and Internet café.

The development is due for completion in March 2014 with tenants expected to take residence in early 2014.

Graeme Scott, head of investment and regeneration at Trafford Housing Trust, said: “We are pleased to be building our largest and most prestigious development in partnership with Wates Living Space.

“The scheme will consist of 71 contained apartments – 49 for rent and 22 for shared ownership."

The building will have a restaurant, hairdressers, wellbeing suites, hobby and activity rooms and lounge and these communal spaces will be open to the local community to come and visit and enjoy.

The scheme will also have off road parking and will be surrounded by landscaped gardens. We are hoping to officially open the scheme in 2014.”

Lee Sale, regional business manager for Wates Living Space, added: “We’re really pleased to be involved in this important project for Trafford.

“We will be working closely with Trafford Housing Trust to ensure our presence not only results in quality extra care facilities for local residents but also creates long-lasting community benefits through tangible training and employment opportunities.

We’ve got a fantastic team in place – now is the time for the hard work to begin.”

The site it will be built on was formerly occupied by the now demolished Atkinson Court residential home, Palace Court sheltered flats and St Giles Lodge, a centre for independent living that helps disable people.