PROPERTY developer Conroy Brook has handed over the keys to a £4m residential care unit for young people with disabilities.

The 15-bed close care unit at Holmfirth has been built for Mirfield-based Hollybank, a charity providing specialist schools, children’s homes and independent housing for children and adults with complex physical disabilities.

The handover was made at a ceremony attended by Kirklees deputy mayor Clr Andrew Palfreeman, Richard Conroy, of Conroy Brook and John Hall, chairman of the Hollybank Trust.

Conroy Brook joined forces with award-winning architect Chris Carr Associates to design a three-storey building with one five-bedroom apartment on each floor.

The companies worked closely with Hollybank to ensure the modern, purpose-built close care facility would meet and exceed all current legislation regarding the young people’s needs.

The unit, called Rowan Court, stands in the grounds of the Holme Valley Memorial Hospital and next to Conroy Brook’s recently completed retirement living complex, Holme Valley Court.

Chris Coleby, head of property and development for Hollybank, said: “Conroy Brook is a developer with a reputation for high quality standards of design and construction and we were delighted to be in partnership with them on this project.

“We had every confidence that they could deliver the unit at Holme Valley to us in the form required and within what is a very short time frame – and they have!

“The building is fantastic – better than we could have hoped for – and it will enable us to provide safe, secure and pleasant accommodation for our young people.”

Mr Conroy said: “We were very pleased to be asked to work with Hollybank on such a worthwhile project.

“ I believe we have achieved our aim of providing a modern, purpose-built facility to the very highest quality that will further facilitate the excellent work of the Hollybank Trust.”

The building was supported by several grant-making trusts such as The Beatrice Laing Trust, The Percy Bilton Charity and The Baily Thomas Fund.

A number of grants for equipment were received from the Masons.

Corporate support was also secured with – donations being received from supportive companies such as LDC, the private equity arm of the Lloyds Banking Group.

Conroy Brook, based at Brockholes, won the Yorkshire region Master Builder of the Year Award 2008.

It was also a finalist in the Northern Design Awards 2008 and runner-up in the West Yorkshire Built in Quality Awards 2008.