Residents of Mansfield District Council’s latest housing scheme are delighted at the high standard of their new homes.
Town View has transformed the site of the former General Hospital on West Hill Drive, Mansfield, which was derelict for 20 years.

The senior person’s living scheme has 42 apartments and 12 bungalows for over 55s who are active, as well as those who may need additional support and care.

The secure gated development has homes available for rent and six shared ownership bungalows, funded by £126,000 from Homes England.

It includes 10 housing with care apartments for, which means people can live in their own self-contained home as part of the supported housing scheme, rather than going into residential care, but have quick access to care staff to help with any personal care needs.

Resident Mrs Pauline Palmer said: “There’s no comparison between this and where I lived before. It’s absolutely lovely —the apartment is so big and has great storage space. I can’t wait for summer to go out into the garden.

“We went to view Poppy Fields but we missed out and waited for Town View. It’s been worth the wait.”

David Guy, a foot health practitioner who was visiting Town View on business, said: “In seven years of working at residential homes around Mansfield and Ashfield, this is the best I have ever seen.”

Mrs Linda Hornsby and her partner, David, moved into their two-bedroom bungalow before Christmas. She said she used to live in a terraced house with steep stairs, which proved difficult because she has bad knees.

She said: “It is that quiet here you could be in the middle of the countryside. But (the) town is on your doorstep and you can walk into the centre if you don’t want to drive. I love that my front door opens straight on to the garden.”

The homes are positioned around a landscaped village green setting, with a trim trail and outdoor fitness equipment. Inside, there is a reading room, craft room, a first-floor sun terrace, lounge and dining room.

Mayor Kate Allsop, who officially opened the homes, said: “We are so pleased that people are benefiting from these high-quality homes, which allow them to remain independent while also providing support when needed now or in the future.

“This is an excellent example of how the district council is working in partnership to bring a key site back into productive use and provide much-needed housing for our older residents.”

Coun Stuart Wallace, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Adult Social Care Committee chairman, added: “Town View is an excellent scheme, which has been designed to meet the varied housing needs of older people.

“The scheme includes 10 housing with care apartments, which have been funded by £400,000 from Nottinghamshire County Council.”

Pictured are Mrs Marilyn Livings, Mr Keith Ellis and Mrs Pauline Palmer at the official opening.