Press Release

July 2014

KHT set to openKnowsley’s largest Extra Care development

Knowsley’s largest Extra Care development, Bluebell Park, is set to open this autumn. As the borough’s largest development of its kind*, it will offer residents secure housing, quality care and a strong sense of community.

Due for completion in autumn 2014, Knowsley Housing Trust’s (KHT) Bluebell Park Extra Care development scheme in Huyton will offer a range of support and shared spaces forpeople over the age of 55. There will be a total of122 one and two bed apartments available, 21 of which will be available to buy through Shared Ownership. The remaining 101 apartmentswill be available for prospective tenants to rent and will include allocated Extra Care facilities.

This development, coupled with other planned works,will make the Trust the largest Extra Care provider in the borough by early 2016. As a result, Bluebell Park will be able to offer at least eight new employment opportunities locally, underlining its commitment to investing in the community.

Bluebell Park’s high quality communal facilities will include an assisted bathroom, a garden, spacious hobby and relaxing pamper rooms, a restaurant and a fully equipped salon. A selection of these shared spaces will be open to non-residents too, providing an opportunity for the wider community to take advantage of the facilities and participate in the rolling calendar of regular activities, both of which add to the site’s neighbourly feel.

Each resident will be supported in their self-contained flat by assistive technology and carefully chosen care providers working for Community Integrated Care (CIC), who will be on-site 24 hours a day. During working hours, further assistance will be provided by housing staff, who will deal with property related queries. The levels of care on offer will be tailored to the various needs of the incumbent residents and will be altered accordingly around their circumstances.

Executive director at KHT, Ian Thomson, said: “There’s a real need for Extra Care facilities in Knowsley so we’re delighted that we’ll be able to offer this on a large scale to the borough, providing residents with a tailored care and support package fully suited to their needs. Developments like Bluebell Park allow residents to maintain their independence, while knowing they are supported by a team of experienced professionals who are always happy to help.”

The development will also be set up to accommodate younger residents with specific care needs, although the site is primarily designed to cater to those aged 55+.

If you would like to register your interest in the Bluebell Park scheme, or would like more information about thedevelopment, please call 0151 290 7000 or visit

To find out more about Knowsley Housing Trust, please visit

Ends

For more information about this press release, please contact:

Refresh PR – 0161 871 1188 /

Corey Kitchener –

Gemma Cannon –

*According to Housing Care:

Notes to editor:

Bluebell is the First Ark Group’s new Extra Care development, due for completion in autumn 2014. Offering sustainable living for people over 55, the development will comprise 122 stylish, one and two bedroom homes, available for affordable rent, via referrals from partners and for sale through shared ownership. With a tailored care and support package that changes in line with residents’ needs, Bluebell offers independent but supported living, providing residents and their families with peace of mind and helps them feel safe in their homes.

Through a combination of stylish, high-quality homes, comfort and leisure facilities, including an on-site restaurant, lounge area and hairdresser, Bluebell provides residents with a real sense of community.

The First Ark Group, which comprises four companies that work together with the over-riding purpose of making a positive difference to communities and people’s lives. This unique business model delivers real social value and investment to local communities through its responsible approach to business.

The First Ark Group is committed to creating success with each part of the Group contributing in a different way:

  • Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) is its successful housing association that provides quality homes to over 25,000 people through its 14,000 homes in Knowsley on Merseyside
  • Vivark is a social enterprise providing facilities management services to a range of clients across the North West
  • KHT Services (including Oriel) is its development company, building homes for rent and sale with a range of innovative ways to buy
  • One Ark is its charity which creates life changing opportunities for people in Knowsley

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