SKIPTON’S extra care living development in Raikes Road has moved a step closer to completion after reaching its highest point in the build.

A topping-out ceremony was held at the Eller Beck Court site marking a key milestone for Housing 21’s latest extra care scheme. It has been developed in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and Craven District Council. The Housing 21 team was joined by representatives from Casey Group and North Yorkshire County Council to celebrate the occasion.

Eller Beck Court is Housing 21’s first extra care scheme in the town and will provide much needed accommodation for local people over the age of 55. The development is supported by Homes England, and will offer 58 one and two bedroom apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership. Eller Beck Court has been designed to promote independent living in a community setting, with a care team on-site 24/7 to deliver planned care packages if needed.

Councillor Jim Clark, chairman of North Yorkshire County Council said: “This development will be a great addition to the housing stock of Skipton and is much needed at the present time. I look forward to visiting the completed development next year.”

Residents will benefit from a range of on-site facilities, including a café/bistro and hair salon, which are also accessible to visitors and the local community. There is to be a residents’ lounge, activity room, and communal gardens for residents and their guests to enjoy.

Deborah Hope, head of development at Housing 21 said: “We are delighted to reach this important milestone in the development of Eller Beck Court. Given the backdrop of Covid-19, it has been amazing to watch the team pull together to make sure this much-needed housing is delivered. Now, more than ever, it is hugely important that older people in our communities can access high quality housing that is appropriately tailored to their individual needs but is done in such a way that it offers protection and care without them having to be isolated from a community, during these difficult and ever changing times.”

Bob Preistley, contracts manager for Casey Group said: “After a lot of inclement weather and an extremely difficult spring and summer with the effects of Covid-19 shutting the site for 12 weeks or more. We are now looking forward to getting the building watertight over the coming weeks and commencing fit out works in earnest.”

Eller Beck Court is set to open in late spring 2021. Housing 21 is taking inquiries from those interested in buying or renting an apartment.