Work has begun on a major extension at an Armagh City care home at a cost in excess of £3.6 million.
The main contractor, Keady-based Emerald Developments, started work on site for the construction of an extension to Apple Mews House, to include the creation of four low dependency units and associated site-works with car parking provision.
This is the second phase to works at the home.
As Armagh I revealed earlier this year, the development on the Cathedral Road is also expected to more than double the number of employees, with the potential for a further 24 jobs being created.
Two of these units will comprise 11 independent flats – each with one bedroom. Each of these two will also have a common dayroom.
Two buildings, each with six bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, lounge and bathroom facilities, will provide staff accommodation on site.
It will be constructed on vacant land, immediately south and adjacent to Ard Mhacha House on Desart Lane and will stretch to over 2,300 sq metres.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council granted planning permission at the end of February past.
The work is now starting and will be carried out over the next 18 months.
Apple Mews has the current capacity to provide care for up to 30 adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex physical disabilities, providing nursing care and a range of programmes to support the development of independence and life skills.
The home says residents enjoy access to daily activities including arts, music, education, sensory and outdoor activities.
In a homely and comfortable environment, it has been designed to enable ‘person centred’ care and to assist people who are unable to live in their own homes to maintain as much independence as possible.
Now work is getting underway on a huge new addition which will greatly increase the number of people whose needs can be accommodated.
