A LONG-awaited residential development in Tilbury is close to opening its 35 front doors to new residents.

After the idea for the project was first mooted under the authority's previous Labour administration, planning permission for the scheme on the site of a former open market was granted in June 2017 but it is only recently that keys to properties in Thurrock Council's Calcutta Road development, known as Beaconsfield Place, have been handed over by builders Kind & Co.

The original projected cost of the scheme was around £10 million but no detail has, as yet, been given of the final cost as the council sets about the task of moving in older people who will benefit from homes that it says can adapt over time to meet changing needs, such as health or mobility problems, with the ongoing support of a sheltered housing officer.

The now-Conservative controlled council's portfolio holder for housing, Cllr Luke Spillman, said: "This scheme offers residents so much – private communal gardens including an attractive allotment-style space, an outdoor gym, indoor communal room with fully fitted kitchen, mobility scooter storage and ample parking. A community room on the lower floor can also be used to hold activities to benefit residents or for community groups."

Eighteen sheltered housing residents from the decommissioned Alexandra Court sheltered housing complex will move to the new build development comprising of 31 one-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom duplexes, alongside other eligible residents.

Cllr Spillman continued: "I'm particularly delighted that our older residents, including those moving from the decommissioned sheltered housing scheme at Alexandra Court, will benefit from these brand-new affordable homes.

"Our priority is building the right infrastructure and homes for Thurrock residents of all ages. We will continue to explore new and innovative ways to meet these targets. I'm delighted with what our teams have managed to achieve, despite the challenges faced over the last two years."

Construction on the site was scheduled to being in March 2019 and was originally scheduled to be completed within 80 weeks, which then drifted to more than two years and a projected completion in April last year but covid-19 and other factors have delayed completion.

Today (Wednesday, 16 March) Kind & Co's Operations Director Steve Juson said: "We are pleased to have handed over to our client Thurrock Council this landmark scheme. This development is a fantastic investment to the local area and will provide both residents and the community with a new focal point of interest to this area of Tilbury."