A SHELTERED housing development has undergone a multi-million pound transformation.

Saxon Court on Keswick Road, which is owned by housing association Alpha Living, has benefitted from a £3.4m remodelling, with six new-build apartments and the refurbishment of studio properties into modern one and two-bedroom apartments.

It means the development now consists of 60 homes for older people.

The work includes new kitchens and wet rooms in all apartments, updates to communal areas and a beautifully fitted hair and beauty salon that will be open to residents and the local community. Car parking spaces for the community have also been added.

The transformation was made possible thanks to investment from Alpha Living, a £340,000 grant from Homes England and support from St Helens Council.

The new design has been influenced by a national concept called The HAPPI Principles (Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation) which recommends how housing for older people should be developed to provide the best living environment.

In total 72 residents at Saxon Court will benefit from lots of space, bright airy rooms, balconies and outdoor areas with landscaped gardens.

Graeme Foster, Chief Executive of Alpha Living, said: “It’s a real pleasure to see our ambitious plans for Saxon Court become a reality and to see residents enjoying the new spaces and improvements to their homes.

“Suitable properties for older people in St Helens are in high demand so I am pleased that we have been able to build six new apartments as well as making significant improvements to the existing ones.

“We have ambitions to play a major part in meeting this growing demand in the town and we look forward to continuing to forge strong partnerships with the council and others to ensure St Helens is a great place to live well and age well.”

Saxon Court was officially re-opened by council leader Cllr Derek Long, leader of St Helens Council.

Cllr Long said: “It’s a privilege to be invited to see this amazing transformation first hand which I'm sure residents will get a lot of enjoyment out of.

Saxon Court is a great example of two of this council's key objectives - better housing for older people and brownfield redevelopment."

Betty Burrows, 81, who moved into Saxon Court around five years ago with her husband Alan, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the work that’s been done. The apartments are fantastic.

“Moving here is one of the best things that we’ve done. I’d recommend living here to anyone.”