CELEBRATIONS were held in Malvern earlier today (Thursday) when building work for a huge multi-million pound retirement village officially got underway.
Around 40 guests gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony at Audley Ellerslie where the historic site will soon turn into a state-of-the-art landscape comprising 101 properties for those aged 60 and over.
The site between Wells Road and Abbey Road currently consists of three grand Victorian mansions and was once the former home of Ellerslie School.
The development will also consist of a luxury health club, library, restaurant with the first phase of its build expected to be completed by early next year and create numerous jobs in the local area from hospitality staff to care workers.
Cheers were heard when parts of its remaining turf were dug from the ground by Audley chief executive Nick Sanderson and Sir Nicholas Lechmere, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire during the champagne-filled ceremony.
Building work actually started last year according to reports but this was the first time the works had been celebrated.
Mr Sanderson said: “I have to say that Malvern is one of the most spectacular places we as a company have gone to.
“It’s really important for us to be in Malvern. This is a site with a lot of history and heritage and we take that very seriously.
“I can’t wait to see it finished. There is a long way to go but if you see our villages around the country then you’ll see something special.”
Also attending were councillors Kwai Hung Chan, Malvern Hills District Council chairman John Raine and Malvern Deputy Mayor Hannah Campbell.
Coun Campbell, a former pupil at Ellerslie School, said it was a delight to see the building work officially get underway.
“It’s a wonderful project to have in Malvern which is going to be a great place for people to live in.
“I feel privileged to be here as I’m a town and district councillor for the Priory ward and I used to be a pupil at the school.
“But it is really pleasing to see that a huge firm like Audley have total confidence in Malvern to deliver this major build.”
