First glimpse of £18m Cradley retirement complex

The 120-bed scheme is being built on the site of the former Cradley High School in Homer Hill.

Developer Midland Heart began construction work in July and is planning to showcase the designs at an open event next week.

People will be able to find out more about the development during two sessions on September 17 at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill. They will run between 11am and 1.30pm and between 3pm and 6pm.

Visitors can try their hand at one of the many activities which will take place at the scheme once complete, including Zumba and arts and crafts.

Sarah Clee, head of older people's services at Midland Heart, said: "Extra care living is a lifestyle choice. It is about companionship, security and building a community.

"We hope visitors will take full advantage of the activities available and the opportunity to ask as many questions as they like to find out if it would be a good choice for their future."

The complex will feature a range of facilities including a bar, coffee shop, restaurant, activity hall, gym and library.

The apartments would be available to buy or rent, or be taken on as shared ownership.

Every unit will have its own front entrance door, while bigger apartments will incorporate a second bedroom, with enough space for wheelchair access. There would also be garden and woodland areas.

The development is due to be completed in the spring of 2015.

The development in Cradley follows in the footsteps of similar schemes in Dudley and Coseley.

Plans were given the go ahead in March this year, despite opposition from residents living near the site, off Slade Road, on grounds they thought it was unsuitable for the development and it would cause disruption. The Friends group for the nearby Homer Hill Park had also objected to the scheme fearing it would have a negative impact on the park.

The designs for the complex were scaled back after concerns that it would tower over neighbouring properties were raised.