Leyland care complex named as plans progress for supported living scheme

South Ribble Borough Council’s cabinet has chosen a moniker for the so-called “extra care” facility that is set to be built on land next to the authority’s own headquarters on West Paddock.

The development will be known as Jubilee Gardens, both in honour of the Queen’s platinum jubilee this year and also to tie in with a housing scheme on the opposite side of the road which goes by the name of Jubilee Court.

Cabinet member for finance and assets Matthew Tomlinson said that it made “perfect sense” to continue the theme.

The project will be the first of its kind in South Ribble and the council has set aside £10m to fund it.

The extra care concept – of which there are examples in neighbouring Chorley and Preston – offers residents their own front door to private accommodation within a single block, but with round-the-clock support on hand if they need it.

Pre-planned care packages are also provided, tailored to each individual’s needs.

Residents are able to come and go as they please and have access to communal facilities to encourage social interaction and reduce isolation.

The West Paddock facility is expected to have just under 70 rooms – although South Ribble is forecast to need more than 200 extra care-style places by the middle of the decade.

Conservative opposition group leader Karen Walton said that the chosen name was “very appropriate”, but Labour council leader Paul Foster joked that it had been a matter of “contention” within his cabinet.

The main contractor for the project is expected to be appointed this month, with the design of the building through to the planning application stage to follow shortly afterwards.