SEE inside new £18m Black Country retirement complex
More than 100 apartments, games and hobby rooms, a gym, and a coffee shop staffed by the residents themselves - these are just some of the features at an £18 million retirement village which is about to open in the Black Country.
Lime Gardens has been built on the site of the former Cradley High School in Homer Hill by developer Midland Heart, creating 60 jobs.
Twenty apartments that were made available for sale were quickly snapped up, with a growing waiting list having already formed.
The other 100 rooms are being rented to people over the age of 55 in the area through Dudley Council.
While care workers will be on hand to help residents around the clock, those behind the project stress the focus is on allowing people to live as independently as possible.
Heather Bishop, operations manager at Midland Heart, said: "Families have busy lives, so they don't have to worry if they haven't been to see mum for a couple of days.
"We are here to support them if they need that and they have all the benefits of the facilities here but they live independently. Once they have got they key to the front door it is theirs and we respect that."
The first residents are expected to move into the complex, off Slade Road, during March and they will not be short of things to keep them busy.
Aside from the games and hobby rooms where they can play snooker and darts, make crafts, paint and knit, there are also woodland and garden areas and a greenhouse where residents can grows herbs and vegetables.
Line dancing and Zumba classes will also be held. There is also a library and IT suite and on-site hairdressers.
Residents will be also offered the chance to 'work', with volunteers able to man reception and coffee shops.
Mrs Bishop said: "It's really important to get the residents involved, keep people active and independent.
"It gives them a purpose, some people who are retired have been in really busy jobs and have suddenly have nothing to do. It's a nice opportunity for people to do little bits if they want to."
The apartments feature walk-in bathrooms and fully fitted kitchens and come with either balconies or patios, affording splendid views across Homer Hill Park.
There are also guest rooms so family and friends can stay over.
The development in Cradley follows in the footsteps of similar schemes in Dudley and Coseley.
