PLANS to open an £11.2 million extra care facility in Romsey have been pushed back, a local authority has confirmed.

Nightingale Lodge, Great Well Drive, will offer residents 24-hour care and was set to open this summer.

However, coronavirus has slowed down progress on the site, meaning the facility will not open until the autumn, Hampshire County Council (HCC) revealed.

A spokesperson from HCC explained: "Covid-19 has impeded the speed of progress on-site, with contractors carefully following Covid secure working practices, and this has resulted in some adjustments being made to the build programme including allowing sufficient time for utilities to be connected, with the minimum of disruption to local residents and road users.

"We are now working towards welcoming the first residents to Nightingale Lodge in late September/early October and we continue to work closely with the lead contractor to ensure that everything is right for the residents when the latest addition our Extra Care portfolio opens."

The project is being delivered in partnership with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) and HCC.

As reported, housing and environmental health portfolio holder for TVBC, Cllr Phil Bundy, told the Advertiser Nightingale Lodge was initially planned to be completed "this summer".

He said: "Affordable extra care housing is vital and that’s the reason why we have invested in this project. I’m sure interest will only grow as we work our way towards completion this summer."

The ‘Extra Care’ accommodation has been built by Places for People, Living Plus, and is aimed at people who have either existing care, or who anticipate needing support in the near future, Hampshire County Council (HCC) confirmed.

The scheme will offer 37 affordable rented homes and 17 shared ownership homes, plus a variety of facilities that can be used by residents and the community.

These include a wellness suite, hair and beauty salon, a restaurant and landscaped gardens.

Anyone interested in affordable rented apartments in Nightingale Lodge or in any of the County Council’s other Extra Care schemes should contact extracare@hants.gov.uk.

Information about Nightingale Lodge shared ownership apartments is available from social housing provider, Living Plus (part of Places for People) via: https://www.livingplus.co.uk/find-a-home/nightingale-lodge.