THE old headquarters of the Royal Yacht Association in Eastleigh is about to set sail in a new housing role.

The artist's impression above shows how the town centre landmark site will look after it is developed into purpose-built apartments by retirement housing kings McCarthy & Stone.

Building work is likely to take six months. A show complex is due to open in August and the first residents are set to move in during October. Prices will be announced nearer the time.

The 33 one- and two-bedroom self-contained apartments will be tailored for people aged over 60 who want a more manageable and secure home without losing their independence.

Designed for easy maintenance and low heating costs, each apartment will be linked to a 24-hour personal emergency service and closed circuit television surveillance system at the main entrance.

There will be a house manager to look after day-to-day running of the development.

Facilities will include a central lounge where residents can have a coffee, chat or hold social events.

There will be a fully-maintained laundry room and a hotel-style guest suite where visiting family and friends of residents can stay overnight. Each floor will be served by a lift.

Outside maintenance, window cleaning, gardening and cleaning of communal areas will be looked after by a service team to help make the residents' lives as comfortable as possible.

Developers say the scheme will bring significant improvements to the Archers Road area and will offer residents a short level walk through the park to the town centre.

Derek Field, managing director of McCarthy & Stone's south-west region, said: "This is an excellent location for a retirement development, well placed for the local shops and amenities."