RESIDENTS of a new multi-million pound development in Stourport have hailed their first taste of retirement living life as a huge success after visiting a similar village nearby.

Reservists at School Gardens, in Tan Lane, were given a glimpse of day-to-day life in a Bromford retirement living development following a trip to Beacon Park Village, in Lichfield.

During the day, staff offered their Worcestershire visitors guided tours of the facilities before they had chance to meet existing residents, sample lunch in the on-site restaurant and enjoy afternoon entertainment from female vocalist, Amy G.

The historic Stourport site, where Tan Lane Infants School stood for decades from 1897, will feature 60 apartments for people aged 55 and over, as well as a cafe bistro, lounge, activity studio, gym, and hair and beauty salon, when it opens in spring 2018.

Kidderminster resident Donald Bradley, who is moving to School Gardens with his wife, said: "We have been looking for a retirement living home for around 10 years now and there has always been a stumbling block whether it was too dear or not quite to our liking.

"It can get quite isolated where we currently live so School Gardens will be ideal for us and we are really looking forward to moving in and enjoying that community aspect.

"Coming here to Lichfield has really cemented our view that we have made the right decision."

Stourport born-and-bred Kathleen (Veronica) Fox said: "I think you can sometimes get quite static in your life and while School Gardens is going to be quite a change, it is one I am relishing.

"Beacon Park Village is beautiful, but for me School Gardens has everything I need right on my doorstep - I can't wait to get in now."

Penny Downing, Bromford's sales and marketing director, added: "We have sold our retirement living vision off-plan so this visit was the perfect opportunity for customers to see one of our flagship retirement living villages and gain an insight into what life at School Gardens will really be like.

"The day was a great success and everybody came away with a much better understanding of what retirement living at Bromford is all about."

Bromford has renewed calls for local businesses to get in touch as they look to recruit a catering firm, gym instructor, partner to run the hair and beauty salon, scheme manager and facilities coordinator, as part of the £10.5m investment.

Anyone interested in the job opportunities should visit bromford.co.uk/businessopportunities, while prospective residents should call 01299 393456 or visit bromford.co.uk/schoolgardens for more information.