Bill Borrett, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Prevention who marked the ceremony by breaking the ground said: “I am very pleased to see the physical signs of the County Council’s £29 million investment in Extra Care housing. This is a vital part of our strategy to support Norfolk’s ageing population. We want to see 3,000 more homes of this type delivered by our partners to enable people to stay closer to their community, family and friends. Living Well Homes will provide an effective way for people to live independently for longer with the reassurance that, should you need care, this can be provided.”

Cllr. Karen Ward, North Norfolk District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning said: “The Extra Care Living scheme in Fakenham really is breaking new ground and North Norfolk District Council is extremely proud to have been able to help fund and be a part of it.

“The Council will invest more than £300,000 in ensuring that people over the age of 55 have the option of high quality affordable housing and access to a range of services that will also be available to the local community.  I am confident that this scheme will be a great success and look forward to being able to identify further sites where similar schemes can be introduced in other areas of the District in the future.”

Tracy Jones, Head of Extra Care at Housing 21 said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Norfolk County Council and North Norfolk District Council to provide the latest Extra Care scheme in Fakenham.

“Housing 21 is the leading provider of Extra Care across England, providing at least 10 percent of the country’s provision. We will be working closely with the local schools, older people’s groups and the social work teams in Fakenham to ensure a fully integrated and community feel to the scheme upon opening. This ceremony marks the beginning of a very exciting build journey in Norfolk!”