New 90-bed care home creating jobs in Rowley Regis
A new 90-bed care home is poised to be built in Rowley Regis, under new plans that will create 30 jobs.
The home would be built on land at the junction of Moor Lane and Harvest Road and have round-the-clock staff on duty there, if the plans are approved.
Bosses say the home could create 20 full-time and 10 part-time jobs.
The plans, submitted by Sandwell Council, would see a mixture of one and two-bedroom apartments built on the vacant land.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for social care, Councillor Ann Shackleton stated one of her priorities was to provide more extra care housing to help older people live independently.
While Sandwell’s Housing Strategy Statement for 2012 to 2022 states the council is committed to ‘improve the ‘housing offer’ to older people through extra care schemes and new homes to encourage downsizing”.
The plans say the centre will be a community hub that is open for local people to drop-in and use for social interaction as well as meals or just a cup of tea.
The building will provide a 24-hour staffed service and will create new jobs for local people, says the council.
Councillor Chris Tranter, who represents the Rowley ward, has welcomed the plans with ‘open arms’.
He added: “Myself and a co-councillor visited one of the similar homes in Tipton when it was first talked about bringing one here. It is very similar to what is being proposed for Rowley Regis and it was an excellent facility. The facilities for people staying there were brilliant – if it is like that as we are led to believe, it will be a great thing for Rowley Regis.
“It gives older people the opportunity to live safely in the community.
“I welcome it with open arms and it will be a great addition to Rowley Regis if it is approved.”
A decision on the planning application for the care home will be made in the coming months.
