WORK has started on a luxury retirement village in the centre of Malvern, which will eventually comprise 101 properties for the over 60s.

Development company Audley won planning permission back in 2012 to build the village on the site of the old Ellerslie girls' school, between Wells Road and Abbey Road, but progress was held up by a planning issue.

This has now been resolved and Worcestershire's High Sheriff, Sir Nicholas Lechmere and Nick Sanderson, chief executive of Audley Retirement, officially broke ground at what is to be known as Audley Ellerslie. The ceremony marks the first step in renovating three grand Victorian mansions, one of which is Grade II listed, which along with a number of new build properties will house the one, two and three bedroom apartments together with a range of luxury leisure facilities. Construction of the new village, which is being delivered by Wates Construction, is set to create up to 65 new jobs, ranging from sales staff, through to restaurant staff and gardeners.

Mr Sanderson said: "We are excited to begin work on this new development and would like to thank the local community for its warm reception today. We have already seen a great deal of interest in the village, demonstrating the continued need for innovative and high quality retirement living options, both in this region and nationwide. Our aim is always to provide high quality, luxury housing, ensuring owners can live independently and on their own terms. We look forward to restoring this historic site to its former beauty and becoming part of the wider community.”

The village will be centred around the Audley Club, which will offer high end facilities including a steam room and sauna, restaurant, bar/bistro and spa, which will be accessible to both owners and the neighbouring communities. Audley Ellerslie will welcome its first owners in early 2017 following the completion of the first phase of development.