A DATE has been set for construction to start on sheltered accommodation on the site of a former church.
In September the bulldozers came to tear down St Luke's church in Barrow's Roose Road.
The church, which had been empty since 2008 due to spiralling maintenance costs, was demolished to make way for sheltered accommodation.
Developer HB Villages has now confirmed a rough date on which construction will start, as well as releasing artists' impressions of the finished development.
Alastair Sheehan, development and planning director at HB Villages, said: "We're delighted to be progressing with this scheme which will help local people with disabilities to live more independent lives.
"We're working closely and positively with the planning department to ensure that we discharge our pre-commencement conditions and are on site by the end of January.
"We expect to welcome new tenants into the development during the Autumn of 2017 and will be keeping the local community informed of progress."
VIDEO: See St Luke's church torn to the ground earlier this year
A red brick and cream-coloured render will be used to construct the building's facade, fitting in with the surrounding buildings.
Bat boxes will also be installed in the eaves of the house to provide shelter for the area's wildlife.
The project will provide sheltered housing for vulnerable adults who live with mental or physical disabilities.
Sixteen apartments will be constructed, as well as a single-storey bungalow, with 24-hour care support on hand for residents.
The project has been supported from members of the parish. Gary Cregeen, has been the team rector of South Barrow since 2012 and is responsible for leading services in churches in the parish.
Speaking to the Evening Mail earlier this year, he was glad to hear the area's redevelopment had been approved by the council.
He said: "Buildings, such as St Luke’s hold a special place in people’s lives – not least if the building has been the venue for a significant life event, such as a wedding, christening or funeral. The congregation at St Luke’s was very much an active community involved in lots of activities and this added to the sense of loss.
"For my part it was a case of taking steps which could assist a healing process for those who lamented the closure of St Luke’s, which had been a difficult but necessary decision."
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