Avantage is the largest PFI initiative of its kind to date and will deliver over 430 Extra Care apartments in five locations across Cheshire. Cheshire County Council selected Avantage to design, build and operate five Extra Care developments in Handforth, Ellesmere Port, Middlewich, Winsford and Crewe. Avantage is a consortium made up of Harvest Housing Group, MJ Gleeson Group and Nationwide Building Society.

With the number of older people over 85 across the UK set to increase at six times the rate of the rest of the population, this project was initiated by Cheshire County Council in response to their rapidly growing need for a new generation of ‘housing with care’ for the region’s aging population.

John Weeks, Director of Community Services at Cheshire County Council, said: “These developments will revolutionise the way in which we approach maintaining long term independence and support for our older citizens. Each development will provide not only a home but one in a real community environment where people will have access to a broad range of amenities and services that will help to maintain their independence in the manner of their choice.”

The five developments provide homes for the over-60’s offering self contained independent living apartments, a range of communal facilities in the form of a ‘village centre’ and ancillary and service accommodation that includes a base for care staff who will provide care and assistance to older residents in their own home if needed.

Each development includes self-contained apartments, 24-hour on-call staff, a hair salon, library, IT suite, restaurant and village hall as well as other innovative facilities for both residents and the wider community. They will also offer a combination of properties to rent, buy and part-buy.

Roger Battersby, managing director of PRP, said: “Reaching financial close on the UK’s largest extra care housing PFI is a significant milestone. With the demographics of an ageing population, it is essential that we take a longer term view with regard to housing and care provision for older people. Our schemes have been designed to create an enabling environment where older residents can enjoy a fulfilling and independent lifestyle within their local communities.”

The project was officially launched on 7 November 2007 when key partners, Avantage and Cheshire County Council, publicly signed the official documents. Construction started in November 2007 wiht the first development, Oakmere, opening in January 2009.

Avantage’s vision is to provide stylish, quality homes for people over 60 which offer flexibility and choice. Each Avantage development has unique characteristics, but all with the same commitment of freedom to live independently yet securely.

Avantage is committed to providing stylish, quality homes for people over 60 which offer flexibility and choice.Operating from five sites throughout Cheshire, Avantage has many opportunities for applicants from very section of the community

If you are interested in applying for a position with Avantage, please visit the below website as Harvest Housing Group handles all of our applications:

http://www.harvesthousing.org.uk/news/142/jobs-with-harvest.aspx

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