Public invited to open day for £33.9 million extra care and housing scheme in Ainsdale

£33.9 million Ainsdale affordable extra care and housing scheme invites public to open day

·Members of the public invited to learn more about new extra care and housing development Birchbrook at open day on Thursday 11 June.

·When complete, the extra care scheme will provide 90 apartments, a bistro, hair salon and 24/7 care, with staff on site at all times. The housing development will comprise 40 affordable, energy-efficient homes.

·Guests to have the chance to meet staff, view floorplans and find out how to apply to move in.

27 May 2026: Social housing provider Riverside will host an open day on Thursday 11 June to showcase its new £33.9 million extra care and housing scheme in Ainsdale.

Due to open in March 2027, Birchbrook will offer 90 apartments for people aged 55 and over with a care need. Residents will also benefit from the latest 24/7 care technology, round-the-clock staffing and access to a bistro, hair salon and multi-use communal spaces. In addition, the site will comprise 40 affordable, energy-efficient homes.

As demand for extra care services and housing for older people continues to grow, Birchbrook will hold an open day on Thursday 11 June for anyone interested in living at the extra care development or in one of the new homes. Extra care schemes are an increasingly popular form of accommodation for older people, allowing residents to maintain their independence in self-contained flats, while also having access to 24/7 tailored care and support. 

Taking place between 11am and 6pm at Woodvale Community Centre in Woodvale, guests are encouraged to drop in at a time that suits them to have relaxed, informal conversations with staff, view floorplans and find out more about applying for a home. Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon. 

Riverside is also inviting local hairdressers, barbers and catering providers to attend the open day if they are interested in leasing and operating the on-site hair salon and bistro.

Birchbrook is being delivered in partnership between Riverside and Sefton Council, which will provide revenue funding for care and support services. The project has also received £13 million in capital funding from Homes England.

The new scheme is expected to create approximately 40 new jobs across housing and social care, with additional roles to be advertised next year. 

Located on Rubus Close in Ainsdale, Birchbrook is situated next to open woodland and is just a 10-minute walk from nearby Station Road high street. It is also within easy reach of Ainsdale train station and a five-minute drive from Ainsdale Beach.

ONS data shows that between 2010 and 2019, Ainsdale saw an 18% increase in the number of residents aged 65 and over and a 43% rise in those aged 85 and over. 

Sally Nichols, Assistant Director of Operations in Housing & Care at Riverside, said: “We are delighted to be opening a brand-new extra care and housing scheme in Ainsdale and look forward to welcoming the community on 11 June. Once complete, Birchbrook will be a fantastic place to live with the local high street just a 10-minute walk away and residents able to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The open day is a perfect opportunity for local people and their families to meet our team and find out how they can move in. We also look forward to speaking with local businesses who may be interested in leasing and operating the hair salon and bistro.”

Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health and Deputy Leader of Sefton Council said: “It is fantastic news that our residents can attend this open day to discover more about the new extra care housing and short-term accommodation site. This is a vital addition to Adult Social Care in Sefton and reflects our continued commitment to improving services and outcomes for local people. 

“These developments will give residents and their families greater choice, helping people to maintain their independence while having access to the care and support they need, when they need it. We know how important it is for people to feel safe, supported and connected to others during difficult times, and this new facility will play a vital role in making that possible. 

“By providing more flexible and personalised options, we can ensure that care packages are better tailored to individual needs, promoting wellbeing and improving quality of life.  

“This investment will make a real and lasting difference to those who require extra support, now and in the future.” 

Sarah Alldis, Director of Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing at Sefton Council said: “We are delighted that people in Sefton can learn more about the extra care housing development, Birchbrook, just off Sandbrook Road in Ainsdale, that is set to open in March 2027. This year marks six years of collaboration on this project between the Council and Riverside and other key partners. It will play a central part of our Better at Home Transformation programme, helping people live independently for longer. 

“We know residents in Sefton, wherever possible want to stay in their own homes, remain independent, and access care when they need it. This extra care housing for Sefton will help make that a reality – supporting local people to stay independent, with the right care available when they need it, without having to move into residential care.”

Birchbrook looks forward to welcoming members of the public on Thursday 11 June. No prior registration will be required.

Individuals can contact birchbrook@riverside.org.uk for further information about the open day and the extra care development.