Mersey Gardens, a development of twenty new apartments in Tranmere enables local people with physical and learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes.
The scheme was developed by HBV, the award-winning specialist supported housing developer. Tenants are referred into the scheme by adult social care officers at Wirral Council.
Other delivery partners include care provider ISL, registered providers Chrysalis Housing and architects Calderpeel.
Mick Whitley MP joined local councillors and senior officers from Wirral Council to support the official launch of the scheme in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Mick Whitley MP, said:
“I am delighted to welcome tenants and their families drawn from our local community to this new development. I strongly believe that vulnerable people should be given the opportunity to live more independently from their parents or in sheltered accommodation where possible.
“This is a remarkable new addition to our local community and Mersey Gardens has all the ingredients needed for a happy and independent living experience for local people with disabilities, with support in place should they need it. It is a beacon in the sector.
“More investment is needed in social care and I will be fighting this Government every step of the way to invest more in social housing and care for people with disabilities. Social care is a sector in crisis and I believe we need to hold this Government to account.
“This development by HBV is providing support where it is needed. It provides exactly the sort of dignity and respect that people with learning or physical disabilities deserve.”
Alastair Sheehan, director of HBV, which has delivered over 1,000 new-build specialist supported living apartments and bungalows in England added:
“We are delighted to launch this scheme alongside our delivery partners. We are grateful for the support not only from local people in the community whilst we built this development but also officers from Wirral Council who backed it from the beginning. This development has made a positive impact on its residents and also on the local community and we are keen to continue help delivering specialist supported living schemes just like this across the region.”
Andy Kenny, director of development at care provider ISL, said:
“Mersey Gardens is a real success story and we are excited to see such a positive community evolving supported by an excellent on site staff team. We are proud to be delivering bespoke care and support to local people with varied needs. Being able to live more independently with a tailored support enables people to develop skills and confidence to achieve personal goals and ambitions. We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead with 6 new services planned creating opportunities for other people to take steps towards independent living .”
Chris Parks, architect at Calderpeel, who designed the building, said:
“It’s great to see the end result, and the real difference this type of development will make to people’s lives. The scheme has been designed to promote independent living, while providing staff support as needed.
“The changes in material on the exterior make the building easy to read for staff and visitors alike, with glazing on the façade maximising natural daylight throughout interior spaces.”
