WORK has started on a £6million nursing home in Colchester that will provide community facilities and create 70 jobs.

The 66-bed Foxburrow Grange, in Ypres Road, is scheduled to open in next April.

The home will offer dementia and complex nursing care. A key feature will be a community area, including an internet cafe, activity, therapy and meeting rooms, mini-gym and spa.

It will be available for residents who live in the area and need care support.

The building will comprise two ground-floor units of 15 bedrooms, specifically designed for thise with dementia, and 36 first floor bedrooms for nursing care.

The complex has been designed to “bring the outside in’’. Its two wings will wrap around large, landscaped gardens and there will be high ceilings and large windows.

The home, being built by R G Carter, Ipswich, will be run by Outlook Care.

The project was launched yesterday at a ground-breaking ceremony, attended by mayor of Colchester Helen Chuah.

Anne Cooper, Outlook Care operations director, said: “We all know there is a lack of jobs and if we can stimulate the lack of work by offering jobs in the local area, that would be perfect.”

Outlook Care has been in talks with the Army, as the company says it is keen to recruit Army leavers who may have expertise in nursing and other relevant jobs.

James Wilson, director and general manager of R G Carter, said: “We very much look forward to working on this most prestigious project and provide what promises to be a first- class specialist nursing home.”

For more information on jobs available, or the development, call 01277 633163 or e-mail anne.cooper-fg@outlook care.org.uk