SOCIAL Care Minister Martyn Quayle MHK laid the foundation stone at the sheltered housing complex at Reayrt y Chrink, Four Roads, Port Erin, yesterday (Friday).
Members of the House of Keys for Rushen, representatives from the Marashen Crescent Sheltered Housing Committee, the builders and professionals involved, Commissioners and officers gathered together to celebrate what is the final phase of construction of what will be a major sheltered housing and older people's resource centre for the south of the Island.
Mr Quayle said: "I am delighted with what has been achieved by the partnership so far and that the project is moving along to the final phase.
"My officers have worked closely with the Marashen Crescent Sheltered Housing Committee and design teams.
"As a result of this collaboration we are confident that both new and existing tenants will benefit from a high-quality building, well-designed apartments and new communal facilities which will improve their quality of life.
"I wish to express my appreciation to all those involved in this initiative which is due to be completed by March 2012.
"Particular thanks need to go to all the Local Authorities in Rushen and to Marashen Crescent Housing Committee – my grateful thanks to them for their commitment and vision with this scheme.
"Also thanks should go to local builders Auldyn Construction, Savage and Chadwick Architects, Bell Burton Quantity Surveyor, Macowan and Corlett Structural and Civil Engineers, Hoare Lea Mechanical Engineers, Planning Superviser Safety Net and Dalrymples Associates and the officers from my department, all of whom work as a team to deliver this asset."
The department has been working in partnership with the Marashen Crescent Sheltered Housing Committee to develop sheltered housing in the area for local residents who are of retirement age and can live mainly independent lives.
The scheme will include an emergency call system and a warden will provide a good neighbour and support service.
The development will also provide additional communal facilities such as a meeting room, guest bedroom and improved parking.
The development will include a biomass heating system, which will provide low-cost, carbon-neutral heating using local wood from renewable sources.
The project includes communal accommodation and 34 one and two bedroom self-contained apartments.
The department's political member for Housing Bill Henderson said: "This investment demonstrates that even in these challenging financial circumstances the department continues to fulfil its commitment to provide high quality housing for our community."
