A SHOW flat is now open at a new retirement home in Devizes which was built with £8 million of Wiltshire Council money on the site of a former care home.

Needham House in Victoria Road cost a total of £9 million to build and now provides a mix of flats to rent and to buy under a shared ownership scheme. The extra £1 million came from the government's home and community agency.

Chuck Berry, cabinet member for housing, said: “I am delighted these homes are finished and our vision is now a reality. They look fantastic, and I was particularly impressed by the quality of the design, building and finishing. I would encourage people to have a look as it really does have the feel of a well-equipped flat in a community setting.

“The scheme has on-site care and support available for the residents, and the facilities are already having a really positive impact on the wider community. It is a central part of our housing strategy that we encourage and help our more senior residents establish themselves in suitable housing that they can occupy for as long as they need it in their old age.”

The development has been built on the former Southfield care home site and for more than a year was marked by a giant tower crane. It has now gone and people are starting to move into the 47 fully furnished flats.

Other people in Devizes will also benefit from some of its services such as a restaurant, health and wellbeing suite, gardens and guest accommodation.

A spokesman said: "All the apartments are modern in design and help older people to live independently for longer with access to care and support as and when it is needed.

"The Wiltshire Council-owned and run scheme include homes for affordable rent and some shared ownership homes for sale.

"A working group of councillors, local groups and representatives were involved in developing the plans, and MiSpace is developing the site on behalf of Wiltshire Council."