Old deaf institute to become retirement village
WORK has begun on transforming an old Birmingham school for the deaf as part of a scheme which will see almost 100 new homes built for the over 55s.
The former Royal School for the Deaf in Edgbaston, will become part of the Audley St George's Place luxury retirement village.
The project will create 50 new jobs for the local community, ranging from sales staff and gardeners.
Nick Sanderson, chief executive officer of Audley, was joined by local businesses and officials to officially break ground on the work.
He said: "We are excited to get this new development underway and are encouraged by both the reception and enthusiasm from the local community.
"Audley's proposition is based first and foremost, on what our customers want: ensuring they can live independently and on their own terms.
"We plan to continue to provide higher quality, luxury living for those in later life, while working with the local community and restoring a stunning historic property to create our Audley Club."
When the building work is complete there will be a mix of 95 apartments and cottages for over 55s.
The development will be centred around the Audley Club - the renovated Royal School for the Deaf.
It will offer facilities to rival any boutique hotel, including a swimming pool, restaurant, bar/bistro and spa, which will be accessible to both owners and the neighbouring communities.
Work on the development will be complete by the end of 2016.