A FLAGSHIP sheltered housing development and medical centre were officially opened in a north Durham village today (Friday, December 12).

North West Durham MP, Pat Glass unveiled a plaque at Lynwood House in Lanchester, to mark the completion of the £6m scheme designed for people aged 55 and over.

The development is on the site of a former care home closed by Durham County Council in October 2010 to cut costs.

Mrs Glass said: “I have been involved, in my own small way in the Lynwood project from when it was little more than an idea and it is fabulous to see it finally open as the superb facility that it is.

“When the closure of the original Lynwood care home was announced, there was a lot of regret, fear and even anger around, but even then there were those within Lanchester Parish Council & Partnership that has the vision to see that it could be so much more.

“I am delighted that those people together with Derwentside Homes have been able to turn that vision into the outstanding reality we see today."

The development on Durham Road, consists of 34 two-bedroom apartments and includes community facilities such as a laundry, multi-therapy room and cinema room.

It includes a communal area for meetings, training and similar activities and an office, which will be occupied by the parish council.

Also onsite is Lanchester Medical Centre which relocated from within the village earlier this year. Assura Medical Centres Limited, who manage the surgery, worked with Derwentside Homes to provide a modern building to meet the needs of the smaller surgery that was in the village.

Derwentside Homes chief executive Geraldine Kay said: “Lynwood House is a fantastic new development for the village which not only provides much needed affordable housing but also the chance for residents to live independently in a safe and secure home.

“Residents that have already moved in have praised the high-quality design features and eco benefits that this scheme provides.

Lanchester Medical Centre practice manager Terry Blair said: “The new surgery was designed to meet the needs of our patients and we are confident that we will be able to deliver an improved level of service to patients and residents of Lanchester.”

The development was funded with help from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Lynwood House was constructed by Galliford Try Partnerships North.

The architect for the development was Edwards Architecture. A two-bedroom apartment can be purchased at a cost of £140,000 and a show apartment is available to view.

For more information contact Derwentside Homes on 01207-524 215.