WORK has begun on a major new development which hopes to tackle the need for more affordable care for older people living in the city whilst creating new jobs.

Created by residential care specialists Abbeyfield, the new 80 bedroom complex is being built on a site on Mansbridge Road, West End.

It will provide residential care with a dementia specialism and aims to help ease the need for care within the city’s older community.

The scheme will also create new jobs for locals.

Devised in partnership with Castleoak, specialist construction and development partners for care, retirement and assisted living, the scheme will provide prospective residents with 24 hour on-site care and state-of-the-art facilities within a friendly and vibrant community-focused living environment.

Other facilities include a cafe, a hair and beauty salon, quiet rooms, ‘snugs’, a number of multi-use rooms where residents can continue their hobbies and a dedicated activity room.

Abbeyfield also places a strong focus on providing outdoor experiences, with a large garden space planned with raised planting beds and designated sensory gardens.

Sam Tabiner, Abbeyfield’s head of development for the project, said: “We are delighted to finally be underway with the work on this scheme. We look forward to providing the area’s older community with the high quality of care associated with Abbeyfield.”

Craig Currie, chief executive officers of Castleoak added: “Our relationship with Abbeyfield continues to go from strength to strength. This is our third scheme for them and we look forward to delivering a quality care home for Abbeyfield and the local community within Southampton”