WORK will soon begin to transform the site of a former hotel in Wroughton into state-of-the-art retirement flats.

The Ivy Hotel, in Moormead Road, closed in 2013 after being at the centre of a spate of vandalism over the past couple of years.

It has since been demolished and developers McCarthy and Stone hope to give the area a new lease of life by making it a safer place to live for older residents.

The plans were announced last year and it is anticipated that the new retirement living development, comprising of 35 one and two bedroom apartments, will provide an ideal downsizing option for retirees aged 60 and over.

Kim Caldwell, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone Southern, comments: “Our Wroughton development has already attracted significant levels of interest from older homeowners who are interested in downsizing to a lower maintenance property in the area. It’s important that people are able to stay close to friends or family in later life, and this development will help us make a really positive impact upon the local area."

As well as helping to free-up much-needed family homes in the local area, McCarthy and Stone estimate that the development will generate upwards of £670,000 per year in local spending by its homeowners, which will have a positive impact on supporting local high streets - £125,000 more than a general needs housing scheme.

Kim added: “Having been awarded a 5* customer satisfaction rating from the Home Builders Federation for the 12th consecutive year, McCarthy and Stone is committed to designing high quality, flexible homes that allow people to live independently and make the most of their retirement with a range of amenities on their doorstep, as well as providing the opportunity for community and companionship.

"We have no doubt our Wroughton development will continue to prove extremely popular, so we are encouraging anyone interested in securing one of these apartments to register their interest as soon as possible.”

The new development will feature a 24 hour state-of-the-art security system and on-site parking.

A dedicated house manager will oversee the running of the apartments with all external maintenance, gardening and landscaping taken care of so homeowners are free to spend more time on the things they enjoy.

Those interested in retirement living at McCarthy and Stone’s Wroughton development are invited to call 0800 153 3716, or visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk