A TURF cutting ceremony in Doddington today marked the start of a nine million pound project to build an innovative 50-apartment scheme.

The state-of-the-art affordable accommodation for older people is being built on the Doddington Community Hospital site.

In addition to the 50 apartments the scheme also includes 10 intermediate care beds to be used by NHS Cambridgeshire for patients needing intermediate and palliative care, minor treatment and rehabilitation.

Celebrating today were housing and care provider Sanctuary Group, together with partners NHS Cambridgeshire, Fenland District council and Cambridgeshire County Council.

The scheme, which is being developed by Sanctuary Group, will be managed by its subsidiary Sanctuary Care. In addition to providing extra care facilities it will act as a community hub for older people in the Doddington area with a bistro/restaurant, lounges, meeting rooms, a gym, beauty salon and internet access.

Sanctuary’s extra care communities provide an alternative to conventional care homes. Residents have their own apartment, finished to the highest specifications, in an established scheme so they can retain their independence, but have care and support available if they need it.

The project, which has received �5m funding from Sanctuary Group and �4m from the homes and Communities Agency, the national housing and regeneration agency for England, is expected to be completed by summer 2011.

As part of NHS Cambridgeshire’s commitment to the provision of increased medical services, the minor injuries unit at the hospital will also extend its opening times and there will be an increased radiology provision.

County council cabinet member for adult social care, health and wellbeing, Councillor Fred Yeulett of March, said: “The county council is a firm believer in the partnership approach and we are delighted to have worked alongside Sanctuary Group and colleagues from NHS Cambridgeshire and Fenland District council to develop such an exciting and much-needed scheme as the new accommodation on the site of Doddington Community Hospital. This is part of Cambridgeshire’s strategy of ensuring health, well-being and independence of older people.”

Fenland District Council’s shaping Fenland portfolio holder Councillor Kit Owen added: “We have been delighted to work with partners to help create this fantastic new facility. Fenland has a rising number of older people and they deserve the best possible health care.