AN old people’s home could be built on Worcester’s old hospital site.

Developers want to build an 80-bed care home and 57 care apartments on the former Ronkswood Hospital site off Newtown Road.

Castleoak Group, which is set to submit a planning application later this year, says there is a need for this type of accommodation.

They also say it could create up to 100 full-time jobs. If granted the permission, the site would be run by two care companies – one for the apartments and one for the care home – and the developer says it already has an interested party lined up.

The site’s owner Robert Hitchens had previously put forward proposals, which were later withdrawn, to develop the site in 2003. It has lain vacant since it was sold by the NHS in the late 90s. Over the years, it has been targeted by vandals and attracted travellers, although security has improved.

Steve Bucknell, the development director, said the scheme would benefit the community because there was “a clear need” for these types of care services.

Official data shows the county’s aging population is increasing by about 3,000 to 4,000 per year and it currently makes up about 18 per cent of the population. This is set to increase to 29 per cent according to the statistics. Housing need among over-65s is still being worked on, but Worcester City Council has 342 people on its housing list awaiting accommodation. Mr Bucknell said: “We always undertake considerable research before embarking on such a project and there is a very clear need.

“There’s a growing shortfall in high quality care accommodation available for older people in Worcester.”

The public exhibition on the proposed development is being held at Charles Hasting Education Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital between 10am and 6.30pm on Friday, April 15.