Opening of housing development on Rock Ferry High site

Spinnaker House, built on the one-time Rock Ferry High School site, is thought to be the largest scheme of its kind in the borough with 102 one and two-bedroom apartments available, each equipped with a built-in wet room.

Extra care housing schemes allow residents, who meet the eligibility criteria, to remain independent for as long as possible with individually assessed care and support on-site.

Residents and partners gathered to officially open Spinnaker House in Rock Ferry (Image: Wirral View) With care staff available 24 hours a day 365 days a year should residents need, Spinnaker House is the latest development in the council’s plans to help Wirral residents stay in their own homes for longer.

Councillor Paul Stuart, leader of Wirral Council, said: "In Wirral, we’re doing things differently. We’re much further ahead than a lot of areas in terms of the number of extra care schemes we have and the way we commission that care.

"We know that the population of older people in Wirral is increasing and we’re responding to that change.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) projections for Wirral show that population for age group 65+ in 2023 sat at 72,839 and by 2040 it is predicted to be 93,252.

LtoR: Chris Bowen (Torus Developments), Sayyed Osman (Wirral Council), Carly Peckham (Professional Carers), Council leader Paul Stuart and Steve Coffey and Catherine Murray-Howard (Torus Group COO) outside Spinnaker House (Image: Wirral View) Cllr Stuart continued: "These demographic changes will impact on housing, support and health demands. So we’re future-proofing, by aligning our commissioning intentions to meet the needs of our growing and changing communities now.

The authority's current Extra Care gap analysis states that by 2035, 785 extra care units (single households) will be needed. Currently, the borough’s total sits at 602.

Cllr Stuart added: "Extra care bridges the gap between independent living and residential care homes for those who may need some help at home but can still benefit from living in the community.

"These could be people over the age of 55 or adults aged 18-54 with additional care needs.

Like many of Wirral’s extra care schemes, Spinnaker House offers a safe and secure living environment for over 55s who want to enjoy their independence with care and support available, as and when they need it.

Crowd of people gathered in a cafe some standing some sitting Residents and partners gathered to officially open Spinnaker House.

Cllr Paul Stuart joined Spinnaker House’s first residents and staff to officially open the £13.7 million development, at an opening event on 20 November 2024.

Linda Higgins is one of the first residents to move into Spinnaker House.

She said: "My family used to jokingly call me the woman in the cupboard, as my previous flat was so tiny. I needed to move as, with the equipment I used to get around now, I needed more space.

"At Spinnaker House, I feel like I’ve got a ‘proper’ flat. It’s really spacious and fits my current needs. I can’t believe it. My family and I are so happy".

Built on the former Rock Ferry High School site Spinnaker House was built by housing provider, Torus, who will oversee the running of the scheme which welcomed its first residents in October.

The development's on-site facilities include a café Bistro and residents’ lounge with tea/coffee making facilities, alongside an activity room, garden area and a hairdresser. Assisted bathing facilities and a guest room are also available.

Chris Bowen, managing director at Torus Developments, said: "We couldn't be prouder of Spinnaker House and it’s fantastic to see residents settling in and already enjoying the new facilities.

"Spinnaker House is a place to enjoy the good things in life, with each purpose-built home designed and developed to help maintain people’s way of life for as long as possible.

Spinnaker House was funded by Torus alongside £5.4m grant funding from Homes England.