Work has started in Lincoln in preparation for construction of 24 new apartments for people aged over-55.

Lindum Group is currently on site at Roman Gate Court, off Nettleham Road, just north of the city centre. Work to set up the site compound is underway with construction of the new homes scheduled to begin in January.

LACE Housing, which is a non-profit making association specialising in the provision of housing and support services for older and vulnerable people, appointed Lindum Group to build the new homes following a competitive tender process.

The finished scheme will provide affordable, safe and secure homes and will consist of 24 one bedroom apartments, as well as a communal lounge facility, mobility scooter store and landscaped gardens.

The scheme is located within easy reach of convenience stores, supermarkets, takeaways, doctor’s surgery and public transport with excellent access to the A46 Lincoln bypass.

Site manager Andy Foster said that, as part of the preliminary works, Lindum is constructing a bridge to allow access to the site without vehicles having to pass through the neighbouring housing estate.

“We are getting all the preliminary work completed so we can start on site fully in January,” he said. “We are building access over the stream, which is known locally as The Meg, and this will reduce construction traffic through the housing estate by about 90 per cent.

“The build will be managed by Lindum with the support of our subcontract team, which is made up of some reliable local businesses. We expect to be onsite for around 60 weeks so the homes should be ready for occupants by spring 2023.”

The scheme is one of two new housing projects by LACE. As well as Roman Gate Court, Collinson Court will provide 16 one-bedroom and two-bedroom affordable apartments with communal facilities on land off Willoughby Road in Scunthorpe.

LACE Housing’s CEO Nick Chambers said: “Despite the many challenges experienced over the past year, we are delighted that works have now begun on a further development of 40 much needed homes for older people in Greater Lincolnshire.

“This could not have been achieved without the support of the local authorities, the local community, local contractors and Homes England. Designed for those over the age of 55, both developments will complete during spring 2023.”