MORE than 100 homes for the elderly are set to be built in Eastwood in a development costing more than £20 million.
Notts County Council is set to invest £2.1 million in the project to build 140 one and two-bedroom apartments on derelict land in Walker Street.
A consortium of businesses is also expected to make a combined £19.2 million investment in the project.
The homes will allow elderly people to be independent but with an on-site care worker available around the clock.
Developers Kier Construction and Ashley House are set to be appointed to build the homes.
A council spokesman said: "Residents will have their own front door and can meet friends, family and visitors in the communal areas.
"The new development will have a café, hairdressing salon, well-being clinic, fitness room, library and IT studio.
"They may have falls clinics and links to other health services such as chiropody."
Mayor of Eastwood Brian Griffin, 75, welcomed the news.
He said: "Anything which will make up the losses we have seen in care for the elderly is a good thing.
"A lot of people in the town couldn't understand when a care home in the town was sold off and demolished.
"We have a lot more elderly people than we used to so they need looking after."
The county council has been criticised for cutting £65 million from its adult and social care budget over a period of four years.
Eastwood resident Geoff Lomas, 82, of Blackthorn Drive, said: "From a personal point of view, I am fairly active at the moment but I often wonder about how things will be in a few years. It's comforting to know things are being planned for the future."
The new development would be similar to Hilton Grange, in West Bridgford, and Moorfield Court, in Southwell.
Another 93 apartments are set to be built in a development in Retford.
Councillor Kevin Rostance, chairman of the county council's adult services and health committee, said: "Appointing the consortium to build the first phase of our ambitious extra care housing project is a landmark event.
"The plans will significantly improve the quality and choice of properties available to older people in the county."
