A CARE home in Croesyceiliog is about to get a £2.3 million cash boost to create a high-tech, modern facility.

Torfaen council have teamed up with the housing association consortium GENuS, to redevelop the George Lansbury residential care home.

The revamp aims to help older people at the centre to live more independently in an environment equipped to deliver high level care and support services as and when occupants need them. The 35 unit scheme of brand new self contained one and two bed apartments, with integrated communal facilities has a range of practical amenities and services.

Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety Gwyneira Clark said: "Our goal is to develop a flag ship scheme for Torfaen, the design of which has been influenced by the most innovative thinking in the field. We also recognise that the market for this type of high-quality, specialist housing is not restricted to those households preferring to rent. As a result, we will seek to make some of the apartments available for sale on the open market. This reflects our commitment to new housing that embraces all tenures and cross-sections of the community."

After securing the £2.3 million from the Assembly's social housing grant monies, work is expected to start on the site within the next couple of months.

The council expect the renovation to be completed by January 2008. While the work takes place residents currently occupying George Lansbury Home will move into the newly refurbished Cwmbran House. That residential care facility is owned and managed by partner in the project, Hafod Care.

Executive Member for Social Services and Health, Cllr Rose Seabourne, added: "I'm thrilled that our partnership has been successful in securing funding for this important scheme. We were able to demonstrate that the re-development of George Lansbury home is an integral component of our wider strategy to enhance the range of housing, support and care options available to older people. We are committed to offering a diverse menu of options to ensure we are offering real choice."