A NEW apartment block development has opened its doors to new tenants.

Styche Mews in Parr, a block of 25 apartments for people aged 55 and over, was officially opened by Torus chief executive Steve Coffey and chair Graham Burgess.

Torus says the new homes are part of an ongoing commitment to invest in the borough and have a positive impact on the lives of the people who live in it.

The one-bed apartments are available for affordable rent, and feature floor to ceiling windows, contemporary open plan living and double bedrooms.

Deputy council leader Sue Murphy and Cllr Marlene Quinn joined representatives from Torus for a tour of the development and a closer look at the apartments inside.

Cllr Murphy, who is cabinet member for balanced development and economic opportunity, said: “It was a great honour to be present at the opening of such a wonderful facility.

"The homes Torus are supplying for the over 55s of the area are really inspiring! They're finished to an extremely high standard and will provide comfort and security for all residents.”

Cllr Quinn, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "Once again I am really impressed with the quality of the homes on offer by Torus for the over 55s. The layout of the development is fantastic!

"Each apartment is well planned out and will I'm sure be turned into beautiful homes when residents start to personalise them.

"The garden at the rear of the apartment block is fantastic and, added to this, the security doors on the main entrances give the tenants peace of mind."

Last April, Torus unveiled plans to build at least 5,300 new homes over the next five years, and Styche Mews is the first of these to be complete.

The group has delivered more than 500 affordable new homes across St Helens, including developments in Sutton, Windle, Newton le Willows, Moss Bank and Thatto Heath.

A further 500 homes, including specialist housing for over 55s in Fingerpost, are well underway and plans for a further 300-plus homes in St Helens are in the pipeline.

Torus chief executive Steve Coffey said: “We invest in our communities emotionally as well as financially.

“Whether we’re opening the door to a home that’s genuinely affordable; helping an unemployed person into work or providing local initiatives around health and wellbeing, we do it because we want to create a sustainable future for people and places alike.

“Everything we do aims to contribute to the wellbeing of the local area and the people who live there.”