Ainsdale care and independent living complex to open in March 2027

A new short term care and independent living complex in Ainsdale is progressing at pace and will open within a year.

Due to open in March 2027,Birchbrook will provide housing, care and support for people in Sefton aged 55 and over who have care and support needs. 

Leaders from Sefton Council this week toured the development site to hear how work was progressing on the multi purpose extra care, short-term assessment and affordable homes project.

Birchbrook is part of Sefton's Better at Home transformation programme which involves major investment in housing and adult social care.

The programme will help residents live more independently, with access to the right care and support at the right time.  

Around 90 extra care apartments will be for people aged 55 and over who have care and support needs, with 24-hour staffing, the latest care technology and a range of on-site facilities including a bistro, hair salon and communal spaces.  

The development is being built through a partnership between Riverside Housing and Sefton Council, which will provide revenue funding for care and support services.

The project has also received £13.3 million in capital funding from Homes England.  

After touring the £33.9 million development, Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said: “It was great to visit the new development and see how much progress has been made since construction first began on site.

"This project is a fantastic example of a partnership between local Sefton businesses and the Council, working together to create better outcomes for our residents.  

“The investment will make a significant difference to the care system across Sefton, helping to provide modern, high-quality support for those who need it most.”   

Alongside the Birchbrook development will be a new, eight-bed unit called Willow View. It will provide short-term assessment and support for people with learning disabilities and autism who have complex care needs.  

This will include people with learning disabilities and autism who have complex care needs and young people transitioning into adult services who require specialist support and individuals whose current living arrangements are no longer suitable. 

A key feature of Willow View is that it has been developed with input and suggestions from people who have learning disabilities and autism, together with their families and carers, ensuring they have played an key role in shaping the design.

Cllr Atkinson continued: “Willow View is particularly impressive. It will provide people with a safe and supportive place to stay while they find more permanent housing.

“Birchbrook also demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared vision to properly meet the needs of local people.” 

The wider development will also include 40 affordable homes, helping to meet local housing demand. The scheme is also expected to create around 40 new jobs across housing and social care services, with additional recruitment opportunities planned ahead of the opening.  

After the visit, Councillor Ian Moncur, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health and Deputy Leader, said:  “Both Birchbrook and Willow View demonstrate our continued commitment to improving services, outcomes and opportunities for those who need it. 

"They will give residents and their families greater choice, helping people to maintain their independence. We know how important it is for people to feel safe, supported and connected to and this development will play a vital role in making that possible."