£23 million Lancaster extra care scheme completed

A £23 million development has delivered Lancaster’s first extra care facility, providing 92 affordable homes for people aged over 55.

Wakefield-headquartered Caddick Construction has completed St Martin’s Court on behalf of Progress Housing Association, with the scheme combining independent living apartments with round-the-clock tailored care and support.

Built on former University of Cumbria land, the development features one and two-bedroom apartments, including three homes with enhanced accessibility for wheelchair users.

Residents will also have access to assisted and spa bathing facilities, a hair salon, games room, laundry and roof terraces.

As part of efforts to preserve the site’s heritage, Caddick converted two former military barracks into a further 16 one and two-bedroom affordable apartments and restored the historic sandstone buildings.

External works included landscaping, improvements to the existing stone boundary wall and a car park with electric vehicle charging points.

The project also delivered employment and education benefits, with 70 per cent of the workforce coming from within a 40-mile radius and two apprentices employed on site.

Dave Saville, regional managing director of Caddick Construction North West, said: “We’re proud to have completed Lancaster’s first extra care development, providing high quality, affordable homes for those aged over 55 in the city. 

“Transforming former military barracks and university land into modern, accessible properties required both precision and sensitivity, particularly in restoring the site’s historic elements. 

“We worked closely with Progress Housing Group throughout the project to deliver social value initiatives that would create a positive impact on the Lancaster community. 

“From our engagement with local students at Cedar House School to the employment and training opportunities we created for local people, our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy has been at the heart of our work here.”

Rebecca Field, head of development for Progress Housing Group, added: “We are delighted to open our first extra are scheme and invite tenants into their new homes. 

“St Martin’s Court is more than an exceptional housing development, it is a long-term investment in people, place, and community.

“It successfully combines outstanding design, heritage regeneration, sustainability, and person-centred care to create a vibrant later living community that will benefit residents for generations.”

Caddick also worked with specialist education provider Cedar House School to deliver workshops and site visits for students.

A further £1000 was donated across three local organisations – Positive Futures, Barton Road Community Centre and Lancashire Youth Challenge.

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