WORK is underway on a huge multi-million retirement village near Alcester to build an additional 44 cottages and 24 apartments.

Great Alne Park, which already has a number of facilities such as a swimming pool and wellness centre, brasserie, games room, library and in-house cinema, will have 164 retirement homes in total when it is finished.

The first phase of the £21.6million scheme, comprising a mix of cottages and apartments, was completed earlier this year.

Construction on phase two is now in progress, with contractor Seddon recently completing works to create recycling facilities and allotments.

The next section of build consists of extensive landscaping to create a croquet lawn, wildflower meadow, walking paths and picnic area.

The second phase, which is set to be complete at the end of 2020, will also see a further 44 retirement cottages in two clusters, and 24 apartments over two blocks.

Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages, comments: “Phase one of Great Alne Park and its Club House, which was completed in 2018, has been met with high praise and the central facilities already provide an important focal point for residents and the general public alike to share their passions and interests.

“This next phase marks an important point in our plans for the future of Great Alne Park, proving additional homes for an ever-increasing market, as well as continuing our commitment to environment sustainability with recycling facilities, allotments and wildflower meadows, and we look forward to enhancing this exceptional village even further.”

She added: “Later life truly can be the best years of your life and our philosophy is centred around resident’s holistic wellbeing - looking after their physical, social, financial and mental health, encouraging them to enjoy a healthy, happy and independent life."

Ed Wootton, regional director at Seddon, added: “Building high quality retirement homes is vital for meeting the housing demands of our ageing population.

"Great Alne Park sets a new standard for later living and we’re making strong progress in bringing phase two of this exceptionally designed development to local residents.”