Fifteen new apartments and three bungalows are being built at a site adapted for people with learning or physical disabilities.
Work has officially started at the site of a former agricultural garage in Chatteris to bring new homes for disabled adults in Cambridgeshire.
The £4m scheme, called ‘Barber Gardens’, after two young brothers from the town who perished in World War 1, is expected to be completed in summer 2020.
The scheme is being delivered by specialist supported living developer HBV, which collaborated with Chatteris Town Council, Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council to get the scheme started.
Mayor of Chatteris, Councillor Bill Haggata and Roger Thompson of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, officially started work at the site in a ceremony that included parents of prospective residents.
Cllr Bill Haggata, among those who commenced work, said: “I am delighted to start the work here, and I am encouraged that HBV have selected Chatteris, the gateway to Fenland, where we actively encourage business and residential developments to build this much required facility in the heart of our community.
“We need to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society are well cared for and looked after in suitable accommodation.”
Roger Thompson, director of housing and development at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said: “This development is a perfect example of collaboration between the private and public sector and is a tangible demonstration of real teamwork.
“Barber Gardens is set to be a fantastic example of what can be achieved through innovative partnership, working not only between statutory, not for profit and private sectors, but importantly between the NHS and Adult Social Care Teams.”
Cambridgeshire County Council, Business Developer at HBV Alastair Sheehan added: “Along with positive guidance from local ward councillors in Chatteris and engaging with the local community we are delighted that everyone recognises the need for specialist supported living accommodation for some of the local community’s most vulnerable people.”