A multi-million pound flagship development for older people in Swadlincote has officially opened its doors.

The new £20 million Oakland development in Hall Farm Road was opened by Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Care Councillor Charles Jones and Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation David Orr on Wednesday (6 March).

Oakland has been developed in partnership between Derbyshire County Council, Trident Group and South Derbyshire District Council and its aim is to provide a focal point for older people’s services in the area as well as high quality, purpose-built accommodation.

At the official opening event a plaque was unveiled in front of invited guests including Oakland residents and staff, local councillors, representatives from organisations behind the development including builders, designers and architects, health services including GPs, charities and local groups.

David Orr was the keynote speaker at the event and he congratulated everyone involved with Oakland and emphasised the importance of partners working together to create high quality environments where people could live and flourish.

He said: “Oakland is a fantastic new development which demonstrates how important it is for different organisations to work in partnership.

“This is going to make a huge difference to the local community and the lives of older people who need somewhere safe and secure, that they can feel confident is going to be their home for the rest of their lives.

“I have the privilege of seeing not only the quality of buildings like this but also meeting the people who are going to live there too.”

Councillor Jones said: “We are exceptionally proud of Oakland and the event was a celebration of all that has already been achieved there.

“The building itself and the accommodation and services it offers are of the highest standard and it is already becoming a focal point for the local community. We are confident that Oakland offers the best and we aim to replicate this standard across the county in the years to come.”

Four bouquets were presented at the event to people with a connection to the area or the Oakland development.

Councillor Jones presented bouquets to Mary Innes, 91, a local volunteer who worked at a former residential home called Oaklands which was on the same site as the new Oakland. 

He also presented flowers to Grace Richards, a resident at Oakland who moved from The Dales residential home in Repton.