WORK on a £4.75m care centre has reached a significant stage.
VIP guests were on hand to see the official “topping out” ceremony at Meridian Healthcare’s new development, which is being built by developer Conroy Brook at Oakes in Huddersfield.
Kirklees Mayor Clr Eric Firth and Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney were joined by Kirklees councillors and residents for the event, which saw the final roof tile put into position.
Work now continues a pace on the interior, with completion expected next spring.
This latest development continues a successful working relationship between the two companies, with Brockholes-based Conroy Brook previously developing White Rose House in Holmfirth for Meridian Healthcare. That scheme was named best new development at the Healthcare Design Awards.
The new 60-bed care centre at Oakes is being developed on the site of a former care centre, which was demolished to make way for the new building.
The modern development has been specially designed to provide superb living and bedroom accommodation for older people.
As well as a hairdressing salon, nail bar and cinema, the care centre will include hi-tech features including a free wi-fi service for its residents and visitors.
Susan Firth, managing director of Chershire-based Meridian Healthcare, said: “Meridian has long-standing experience of delivering high quality care to older people. I am delighted to be present at the topping out of what will be an amazing facility.
“This home is not just for the people of Oakes and Lindley. It will provide first class care and support for people across Huddersfield. We have built close working relationships with social services and the planning department here in Kirklees, which has helped to ensure that this first phase of the build has gone smoothly.
“We have reached an exciting milestone and we look forward to the next phase of this project, which will see us welcoming residents into the home in spring, 2012.”
Richard Conroy, chief executive of Conroy Brook, said: “We are delighted to be working with Meridian once again to deliver an exceptionally high standard of care provision for the people of Kirklees.
“The development will also bring back to life a redundant site, contributing to the long-term regeneration of the area.
“Our construction programme is going extremely well and is, in fact slightly ahead of schedule, so we’re hoping that the centre will be able to welcome new residents earlier than anticipated!”
