DESIGNS showcasing how a new modern retirement complex could look to replace a "not fit for purpose block" have been released.

Bolton at Home has released an artist’s impression ahead of a planning application for Little Lever Gardens, where a former sheltered accommodation has been demolished.

The 'extra care' complex has been built to provide affordable accommodation on the site.

It will feature 62 extra care apartments and six bungalows, all of which will be available for rent.

Extra care offers older people their own home, together with access to care and support services.

The services are provided by on-site teams with extra care designed to help older people who are more dependent, the opportunity to continue living independently within their own home.

Also planned for the complex is a bistro and salon, to give it the “retirement village “ feel.

A planning application is due to be submitted in the near future.

Ward councillor Sean Hornby said: “The scheme received a funding grant from Homes for England and from Bolton Council to replace the block that had been there for 40 years and it was almost like bedsit accommodation.

“Work was done to make it two bedroom, but the heating was always breaking and the ceiling would leak and people just were not renting it.

“The old building had served its purpose.”

Now it is hoped the building serves as a focal point for elderly people in the community after lockdown.

“We want older people to book a table at the bistro and it become somewhere for them to be able to socialise,” said Cllr Hornby,”This is just the latest investment being made in Little Lever.”

The scheme is the latest affordable housing scheme in the village.

The final touches are being made to the first of its kind affordable home scheme in the borough.

The development, on land off Victory Road, features innovative modular homes that are manufactured in a factory then delivered and assembled on site.

The homes are all but completed, with work just left on the road to complete the groundbreaking scheme.

The units are built in North Yorkshire by modular housebuilder ilke Homes