WORK to build a £9.8m new housing complex in a Southampton community is continuing at a pace.

The old Erskine Court sheltered housing block has been torn down, and construction work to replace it will begin this month.

The new block, which will open in 2016, will contain 54 one- and two-bedroom apartments for people aged over 55.

As previously reported, Labour council chiefs gave the green light to the rebuilding project last year.

They expressed hope that the new development would become one of the finest sheltered housing schemes in the south.

Many of the facilities at the old 32-flat block were in poor shape and needed replacing.

The new block will feature high-quality apartments as well as new community space featuring services such as foot care and hairdressing, which will be available to tenants from other sheltered housing schemes in Southampton.

The council’s housing chief, Warwick Payne, said: “This is an exciting and innovative project, bringing together high quality homes and effective, flexible care services.

“It will ensure that Southampton remains at the forefront in providing excellent services for our older people.

“I hope that it is the first of many such schemes across the city supporting our more mature residents.”