£2m cost of care home conversion
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CONVERTING a former homeless hostel in Runcorn for use as a care home for the elderly is expected to cost Halton Borough Council £2m.
Belvedere on Cooper Street shut in 2014 after occupancy levels plunged so that just six beds were in use out of 23.
It had been scheduled to close in 2015 when Brennan Lodge on Albert Road in Widnes opened but the date was brought forward.
Town hall chiefs are due to consider the costs of converting the councilowned Belvedere facility into use as a care home today at the Municipal Building in Widnes.
Figures published in a report ahead of the meeting said the estimated cost for building work is £1.57m alone, rising to £2m when furniture, furnishings, equipment and fees are included.
Improving disabled access will form part of the scheme.
The council has said the number of beds will be increased to maximise the amount of income from care home fees.
If plans progress as intended, Belvedere could potentially re-open in October 2019.
Social care chiefs hope it could ease pressure on increasing demand for care home beds, which has heightened since the closure of the 25-bed Cartref residential care scheme in Widnes.
The report’s author said: “There will be an increasing requirement for 24-hour placements in order to be able to adequately respond to the needs of an increasing older population with complex care needs.
“Long term, without additional longterm care placements within the borough there will be an impact on vulnerable adults who do not have access to local residential homes and will require placements out of area accruing higher costs.
“Full occupancy levels would need to be maintained to ensure maximum income potential.”