Completed in 2020, Brock Carmichael worked with North West housing group, Torus to further the provision and quality of extra care housing in the North West with an innovative scheme. The St Helens site is part of a wider Masterplan developed by Brock Carmichael for the land owner. Torus purchased the northern plot fronting on to the junction of Atlas and Standish Streets in 2017 to provide extra care apartments. Brock Carmichael designed the £13 million extra care development for the over 55s around the specific requirements and in consultation with Torus using experience drawn from similar, high profile schemes designed by the practice. The accommodation comprises 109 one bedroom and 21 two bed apartments, a bistro and hairdressers that will be open to the public, along with associated facilities including extensive landscaped gardens. The building is designed using quality brickwork and all the apartments have full or Juliet balconies. Torus Director of Development, Bill Lacey said: “From the outset Brock Carmichael seemed to understand our vision completely. Whilst homes for first time buyers and growing families are important and form a large part of our development programme, we believe that there’s a real need for later life homes too. We were looking for something innovatively and sensitively planned and designed; homes developed as communities where older people can live sociable, fulfilling and healthy lives.” John Cassell, Partner at Brock Carmichael added: “Our experience in housing schemes has led us to a design where we make the most of a site to develop a living space with extra care and all the safety, accessibility and security needs that involves, and which is also desirable and accessible for all. It should welcome residents and the local community alike and have a non-institutional feel to it. The designs included a sun path analysis, as good, natural light is important to health and vitality. The site provides private gated gardens with informal seating areas, BBQ positions and a summer house. The perimeter creates a safe and accessible environment for its residents.”