A new town centre development in the centre of Bicester will provide 20 one and two-bedroom flats, with half available to buy through shared ownership.

The remaining 10 apartments at Centurion House Extra Care’s Coach House Mews scheme will be available to rent.

Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association, which is offering over-55s the shared ownership opportunity, runs a similar scheme in Banbury which it says has been very successful.

BPHA spokesman Roy Hind said: “If an older person has a care need, this does not mean they can no longer be independent. Shared ownership is a great option for anyone who would like greater control over their living arrangements, as well as a potential financial return on their property.”

Residents who need extra care can opt for a tailor-made care plan provided by charitable organisation The Orders of St John Care Trust. There is also 24-hour emergency care available from OSJCT’s on-site care teams and BPHA’s emergency call facility, Carelink.

Residents are supported in their own home and the apartments and communal facilities are designed to allow residents to lead independent lives, while ensuring help is available when needed. To be eligible, applicants need to be living in, or have a connection to, Bicester and require personal or domiciliary care.

The development is expected to be ready by June, with the first residents moving in the following month.

There is an opportunity to view at open days on Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, from 10am till 4pm.

For more information, call Louise Connolly on 07949 234381 or visit bpha.org.uk, or contact agents Thomas Merrifield on 01869 253253 or visit thomasmerrifield.co.uk