THESE are the first images of what Romsey's new £11.2 million care home will look like.

The images, released by Hampshire County Council, show what Nightingale Lodge will look like once complete in 2021, which will comprise 54 one and two-bed flats.

Councillor Roy Perry, member for Romsey Rural, said: "I know considerable care has gone into the design of the new Nightingale Lodge to suit the setting at the bottom of Cupernham Lane.

"I have been very impressed by the latest extra care provision by HCC in conjunction with Winchester City Council at Chesil Lodge in Winchester and I look forward to the completion of Nightingale Lodge at a similar high standard."

Councillor Mark Cooper, who represents Tadburn on the borough council, said: "“Progress on Nightingale Lodge at long last is extremely welcome.

"There will be disruption for nearby residents during the build process but when completed the 54 Extra Care dwellings will be an asset to Romsey.

"The new structure will integrate well existing nearby buildings.

"The social housing component will also free up some of the normal social housing for families on the housing waiting list."

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, work began on the £11.2 million extra-care facility six weeks ago.

Cllr Liz Fairhurst, HCC’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health said: “I am pleased to confirm that our developer began work on the Romsey site some six weeks ago – and good progress is being made.

“We look forward now to completion of the scheme in Spring 2021 and being able to welcome residents to the modern, high specification Extra Care accommodation for older people in the heart of the town.”

She added: “For older Hampshire residents who wish to remain independent, or feel isolated living alone, this type of scheme can be the perfect solution because it offers people their own apartment but also the security and reassurance of 24/7 care on site.

“Our £45 million programme of investment in the development of Extra Care across Hampshire is an excellent example of how by working in partnership, we can provide people with quality care in modern and attractive accommodation and secure good value for the taxpayer.

The former Nightingale Lodge was controversially closed in 2013, after county councillors voted to shut it.