A NEW retirement village in Darwen town centre has been handed over by the developers.

Willow Gardens in Union Street, on the site of the former health centre, will welcome its first residents in the coming weeks.

The site, developed by Manchester contractors Harbour Construction on behalf of Mulbury Homes, will be run by social housing firm Twin Valley Homes.

It contains 50 one and two-bedroom apartments and communal areas.

The site had been partially developed as luxury apartments, but after the previous developer went into administration, the scheme stalled in 2006 and the site had been left for several years.

Residents will relocate to the site from ageing Twin Valley Homes facilities Elizabeth House and Ashton House.

Ian Bell, head of Twin Valley Homes, said: “We are a people business and this new development is a massive boost for the people who will move into Willow Gardens and for the town itself.”

Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Smith said: “It is an excellent development and I am delighted Twin Valley Homes has taken it over.

“It will be ideal for the people living there, especially those with mobility problems, because it is so close to the town centre.

“And it will also be good for the town centre which will benefit from the residents shopping locally.

“The building looks great and when the Shorey Bank retirement village is completed it will make that area a great place for Darwen’s older residents.”

Darwen MP Jake Berry said he was particularly delighted the development had utilised local firms and suppliers.

He said: “Regeneration and investment in Darwen is always good news but it is even better when great local firms are involved.

“I walked past the site last week and it is great to see that it is now finished.

“I am especially pleased to see how many local firms have been involved with the project.

“It is fantastic news for local business in Darwen.”