PLANS to turn Runcorn's Waterloo Centre and Carnegie Library into a dementia and community hub would 'breath new life' into the existing site, developers say.

Signature Supported Housing recently revealed their plans for a supported living development with 36 apartments, alongside a community hub to bring the residents together.

Carnegie Court would see the existing Waterloo Centre, which has been deemed dangerous by the council, demolished and the land turned into a specialist accommodation for people living with early onset dementia.

The adjoining Grade II listed Carnegie Library would be refurbished to create a community hub which would become home to a range of outreach services for the wider community, including community groups, a library, employment services, NHS clinics, counselling, IT facilities, meeting rooms and workshops.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Owner and managing director of Signature Supported Housing, Rob Bryan, said: "Historically, people living with dementia have been housed in unsuitable accommodation tucked away, almost out of sight.

"Carnegie Court would place them at the heart of the community with access to local amenities as well as having the use of services at the community hub next door.

"My mother passed away from dementia in a general ward which made a difficult experience that much harder for us as a family.

"Carnegie Court will provide first-class accommodation through to end of life and services for residents that are affordable and accessible for everyone."

Signature Supported Housing have appointed architects, Pozzoni, to help deliver the project.

Damian Utton, director and world-renowned specialist and author on designing for dementia said: "This proposed development will provide much needed purpose-built housing for people in Runcorn living with dementia whilst also breathing new life into the splendid Grade II listed Carnegie Library building."

If given the green light, the development would deliver a number of employment opportunities, with tenders for the build being sought from Merseyside and Cheshire and subsequent staffing coming from the nearby area.

The developer welcomes comments from the community and is happy to address any concerns ahead of the council making their decision on the application on November 27.

Comments can be made online until October 1 at www.ssh.org.uk.