A MULTI-MILLION pound specialist care development for vulnerable adults that is to create 57 new jobs in Hartlepool has been officially opened.

Burbank Mews off Burbank Street, a development of four purpose-built bungalows, is being run by Mariner Care and the overall project has cost £4.5m.

The bungalows have been built on the former Hartlepool Borough Council-owned Bridge Youth Centre site and will provide 24-hour care to 12 vulnerable adults with a range of challenging behaviour and learning disabilities.

They have been built for Mariner Care by the Robertson Construction Group and represent the first phase of an investment that is eventually expected to total more than £4.5 million.

The new properties were officially opened today, TUES, DEC9 by Hartlepool Council Chief Executive Dave Stubbs and Cllr Robbie Payne, the Chairman of the Council’s Regeneration Services Committee.

Mariner Care Chief Executive Chris Pooley said the development would provide a level of care that is not currently available in the town.

Mr Pooley said: “Not only is this development good news for people that need our care, it is also contributing to the regeneration of the town by creating vital new job opportunities.”

About 300 people applied for jobs with the company. The first 20 new employees have started a four-week training induction course and another 21people will start work in January. Around 90 per cent of the new recruits are from Hartlepool and 12 were previously unemployed.