First look at new Staffordshire dementia centre

The state-of-the-art facility is being built in Lichfield, with another planned for Burton.

And although the exact locations of where they will be have yet to be decided, the designs of the buildings have been finalised.

The flagship centres will be developed in partnership between Staffordshire County Council and Symphony, a consortium made up of the Accord Group, Keepmoat and Quattro Architects.

County council health chief, Councillor Alan White, said: "These dementia centres of excellence will absolutely transform the way people receive care and support and I am delighted that we have finalised these exciting plans with Symphony.

"The two flagship centres will create a real home-like environment and offer a support network which will make a huge difference to residents with dementia."

Both centres will create a home-like environment where residents will be able to hold family gatherings, keep pets and have access to communal areas and facilities such as a café.

They are expected to open in 2017.

Three dementia centres - Bracken House in Burntwood, Meadowyrthe in Tamworth and Hillfield House in Stretton, Burton - will close when the new centres open.

A total of 135 spaces will be provided at the new centres.

Lakbhir Jaspal, deputy group chief executive of the Accord Group, said: "This is a really exciting partnership deal with Staffordshire County Council and we are delighted to be delivering two new dementia centres of excellence.

"The new centres will bring innovative thinking to the design of homes for people with dementia coupled with first-rate care."

In January, Limewood Dementia Centre opened in Stafford. It features a 50s-style barbers, pub and cinema.

The centre, part of the £25 million Northfield Village scheme, provides residential, respite, nursing and palliative care for residents under one roof.

The number of people aged 85 in Staffordshire is due to double by 2025, and dementia diagnoses are also expected to rise.