MORE than £90 million of private sector investment in care for older people has been attracted in York, it has emerged.

City of York Council announced on Wednesday that it was on track to deliver more than 900 extra new units of accommodation with care for older people by 2020 and would see over £100 million in new investment to deliver it.

It said the programme included 561 residential and nursing care beds; and 403 homes in extra care schemes.

Of these, 242 were already in use and occupation, and a further 215 were under construction.

Asked by The Press where the £100 million investment was coming from, Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, said: “The private sector investment we’ve attracted is estimated to be over £90 million.

“This includes building new care homes at the Chocolate Works, New Lodge, Burnholme, Fordlands and Green Lane, and extra care schemes at Regency Mews, Glen Lodge, New Lodge and, subject to planning, at Oakhaven, Haxby Hall and Lowfield Green.”

Cllr Helen Douglas, executive member for housing and safer neighbourhoods, said the investment included some £25 million of council funding in extra care at Glen Lodge - which included a Homes England grant - at Marjorie Waite Court, and also in the independent living accommodation at Lincoln Court.

“It’s also funded preliminary works at Lowfield and at Burnholme for the construction of a new library, community centre and sports facilities.”

The council has said that residents of York had an above-UK-average life expectancy, with the number of 75+ residents expected to increase by 50 per cent by 2030, up from 17,000 to 26,000.

“Providing sufficient accommodation with care is particularly important for the increasing number of people with complex care needs - including those living with dementia,” it added.