A burial of a time capsule will kickstart a community celebration to officially open the multi-million pound Kingsway Extra Care Scheme.
The complex for elderly people, which has more than 60 homes, made of separate apartments and bungalows, has round the clock support and also facilities such as a restaurant, a hairdresser and a sensory garden.
The scheme, off Montague Street, opened earlier this year and is fully occupied.
At the ceremony, the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Karimeh Foster, will help residents bury the time capsule while children from nearby St Anne’s Primary School will sing a special song to mark to occasion.
Councillor Tony Humphrys, executive member for housing, said: “I am very clear on the need for good quality housing for older people in Blackburn with Darwen. “Kingsway is a superb example of the kind of development we want to have in this borough to cater for older people in this area."
Councillor Mohammed Khan, executive member for adult social care, said: “I am delighted to see that residents have settled in very well in this excellent facility. The Council wants to build more schemes like this because it enables older people to enjoy their retirement in a safe, secure and vibrant environment with superb facilities on their doorsteps. But it will be subject to securing funding, which will be difficult in these tough times. Our goal is help older people live independently in their own homes."
Peter Caley, Director of HR for Housing 21 said: “We’re very proud of Kingsway and it’s really nice to celebrate the official opening with the residents and hear how their lives have improved since moving in. This scheme is an excellent example of how extra care living can bring huge benefits, both to the people who live here and to others in the local community.”
Kingsway also houses the United Reformed Church and the Blackburn with Darwen carers service, which provides support for all unpaid carers in the borough.
Other features of the scheme include artefacts from the old Ragged School such as the St George plaque in the corridor by the entrance, the foundation stones in garden and memorials of local residents who died serving country in WWI.
