A £4 million development at the site of a former agricultural garage in Chatteris – which will be named after two brothers who died in the First World War – will see new homes built for disabled adults.
Fifteen new apartments and three bungalows are being built at the site on Huntingdon Road, which will be adapted for people with learning or physical disabilities.
The scheme, called Barber Gardens after two young brothers from the town that lost their lives in the Great War, is expected to be completed by summer 2020.
It is being delivered by supported living developer HBV, who 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 & Peterborough Combined Authority officially started work at the site in a ground-breaking ceremony which included parents of prospective residents.
Cllr Haggata, 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. This development will put a lot of smiles on a lot of people’s faces when it is completed next year.
“I’m looking forward to visiting the site when it is completed and meeting the new residents.”
Roger Thompson, director of housing and development at Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, hailed the scheme as being a “perfect example” of collaboration between the private and public sector.
Alastair Sheehan, business development director at HBV, added: “We have had tremendous support from the planning team at Fenland District Council and the adult social care officers at Cambridgeshire County Council.
“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.”
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