A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place on the former General Hospital site in Mansfield to mark the first step in the building of 54 homes for elderly people.

The cutting of the first sod was led by Mansfield Mayor Kate Allsop, who was joined by Coun Alan Bell, vice-chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Health Committee.

Also there were representatives from newly-appointed building contractors for the scheme, Wates Construction Ltd, district council portfolio holders for housing and regeneration, Coun Barry Answer and Coun Dave Saunders respectively, and county councillor Joyce Bosnjak.

The mayor said: “This fantastic new scheme brings back into use the old hospital site, which has been derelict for more than 20 years, and, along with the Poppy Fields extra care scheme, will be one of the most significant social housing projects in Mansfield in recent years.

“Our development of this site reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable housing in Mansfield. This accommodation will enable older people with a range of needs to live both independently and with support.”

Work on the £8.4m Mansfield Senior Persons Living Scheme began in August and completion is due around January 2018.

The gated development will provide 42 one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments and 12 bungalows set around a landscaped village green, including a small trim trail with outdoor fitness equipment.

The scheme, which is for people aged 55 plus, offers accommodation for residents with a range of needs, from people with support and extra care needs to the active elderly.

Ten of the apartments are for people with extra care needs and will be allocated by Mansfield District Council’s partner Nottinghamshire County Council, which is contributing £400,000 towards the scheme.

Six of the bungalows will be offered for Older Persons Shared Ownership, following the success of this type of housing at Poppy Fields. The remaining bungalows and all of the apartments will be offered for rent.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is providing £126,000 in funding towards the shared ownership properties.