A new residential care home and affordable housing development is about to be built in Richmond.

The site in Hampton Wick was previously home to the Avenue Centre day centre for adults with a learning disability. It closed in 2007 and was subsequently demolished after squatters took residence.

Work has now commenced on the site and representatives from the council, RHP, Bugler Developments and FitzRoy, came together to see the start of the foundations for the new development.

Robin Oliver, head of development at RHP, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the council, Bugler Developments and FitzRoy to build a fantastic scheme which will provide both affordable housing and supported housing, both of which are much needed in borough.

“This scheme makes the most of the site which was previously owned by the council and our scheme will help meet housing needs in the area and ensure that we have a mixed and inclusive community.

"The range of housing options we are providing will enable people to move as their care needs change and help people live independently - this is a scheme we should all proud be of.”

The site will have ten beds and enable the Silver Birches care home, currently located in Marchmont Road, to relocate to a new facility that will have full disability access.

Anna Galliford, chief executive of FitzRoy, said: “It’s fantastic that this project is moving forward, and we are thrilled to be part of it.

"This new care home will mean that FitzRoy can continue to provide values led quality care to people with learning disabilities in Richmond, and support people to lead the life they chose.

"A big thank you to everyone who has worked hard to make this happen, and also to the people we support who are looking forward to moving into their new home.”

To contribute to the funding of the works, the original Silver Birches site in Richmond will be developed for residential housing.

The remaining site will provide 15 affordable rented homes with a further three additional self-contained units, providing independent living accommodation as well as a five bedroom shared house for supported living.

All of the residential development at the new site is for affordable housing and will provide living accommodation for people with specific needs, including those with disabilities. enabling these people to live independently in their own homes whilst having access to support that they might need.

The 19 affordable homes, which will be owned and maintained by RHP, will consist of houses and flats and a number of the homes have been designed as wheelchair accessible.

Completion of the care homes and affordable housing is scheduled for late 2018.