A HOUSEBUILDER has started work on developing part of the former Darlington Arts Centre into retirement flats.

Back in 2015, developer McCarthy & Stone first unveiled plans to turn the rear buildings of the iconic venue into one and two bedroom apartments for the elderly.

The development is a new-build, with the majority of the old annexes – which were 1960s and 70s additions to the rear of the Arts Centre site – demolished to make way for the new apartments on Trinity Road.

Once complete, the development will consist of 34 apartments specially designed for people aged 60 and over.

Apartments will be available to buy off plan from autumn 2018 and homeowners are expected to be able to move in spring 2019.

The site will include landscaped gardens and on-site parking, as well as communal space including a lounge and a guest suite for when family and friends come to stay.

There will also be a camera entry system and all apartments will be equipped with 24-hour emergency call points.

A dedicated house manager will oversee the day-to-day running of the development.

Liz Green, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone North East, said: “Our Darlington development has already attracted significant levels of interest from older homeowners who are interested in downsizing to a lower maintenance property in the area.

"It is important that people are able to stay close to friends or family in later life, and this development will help us make a really positive impact upon the local area.

“McCarthy and Stone is committed to designing high quality, flexible homes that allow people to live independently, and homeowners can make the most of their retirement with a range of amenities on their doorstep, as well as providing the opportunity for community and companionship.

"We have no doubt our second development in Darlington will continue to prove extremely popular, so we are encouraging anyone interested in securing one of these apartments to register their interest as soon as possible.”

McCarthy & Stone has built and sold more than 54,000 properties across 1,200 retirement developments since 1977.

For more information about the development, call 0800 201 4739 or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk.