Care Provider Belong Begins Initial Works at Wirral Waters Site
Not-for-profit dementia specialist Belong has begun enabling works at its site at Peel L&P’s Wirral Waters, appointing Caddick Construction to carry out the work as the organisation commences development of its £20 million leading edge care village.
Belong Wirral will be the hub of a dementia-friendly neighbourhood within one of the largest and most sustainable regeneration projects in the UK, on the ‘Left Bank’ of the River Mersey.
Designed to support people as their needs change, the village will provide a range of specialist dementia services, including home care and day care under the Belong at Home and Experience Days brands, 34 independent living apartments and a range of amenities open to the wider community.
24-hour care will be provided in six extended family sized households, each accommodating up to 12 people, with spacious suites arranged around a shared living and dining area.
The household model was pioneered by Belong to create a homely and reassuring atmosphere, where the Belong team is able to develop positive relationships with residents, understand their needs and monitor wellbeing discreetly, aided by the open plan layout of the environment. Having already proven to be highly effective for infection control, the model at Belong Wirral will also incorporate additional design features based on learnings from Covid-19.
The village will offer a vibrant setting, with a number of amenities including a waterside bistro, hair salon, exercise studio, and entertainment venue with licensed bar. Outdoor spaces include spacious balconies for each household and a rooftop garden.
Belong chief executive, Martin Rix, said: “We are delighted to be entering the next stage of this landmark project, which also marks the latest expansion of Belong in the North West. Wirral Waters is an exciting development and we’re looking forward to welcoming the community to what will be our second Merseyside village, following the opening of Belong Birkdale, next year.”
Richard Mawdsley, director of development for Wirral Waters at Peel L&P, the owners and developers of the Wirral Waters regeneration project, added: “It’s wonderful to see even more progress along Northbank with the creation of Belong Wirral, which will offer specialist dementia care and accommodation, as well as a range of facilities and employment opportunities which will all significantly benefit the local community. Belong’s development will be a key component of the diverse neighbourhood we are creating along Northbank.”