A MULTI-million pound investment could see a college building in Worcester transformed into 60 apartments for older people.

The Worcester College of Technology is moving from its campus on Barbourne Road to the city’s former Russell and Dorrell building, paving the way for the retirement homes.

The developer McCarthy and Stone has submitted its plans, saying that the £6 million investment will make a positive contribution to the character of the area and provide much-needed accommodation for older people.

“We’re very encouraged by the positive feedback we’ve received and have strived to introduce a scheme that will make a positive contribution to the character of the area and to the range of housing choice available to people in later life,” said the firm’s regional managing director Richard Williams.

The firm says the design will retain key aspects of the existing building, including the main frontage facing Barbourne Road, the central hall and the facade along Barbourne Terrace.

Later additions at the back of the property will be demolished and replaced with a new, high-quality building designed around a central courtyard and around the same height as the existing college buildings.

McCarthy and Stone says there will be less traffic on site than at present and that the redevelopment will create the funds required for the college’s relocation from the Barbourne campus.

“This proposal would deliver much-needed specialist accommodation for older people,” said Simon Tuffin, of the Remarkable Group, which is acting for the developer.

“At present there are about 14,600 people in the district aged over 65, which is projected to rise to 23,000 by 2035.

“However, there is currently only 258 specialist housing units for older people to purchase in the district.”

Earlier this month, your Worcester News reported how the college will move into its new home thanks to a £1.6 million Government grant. A decision on whether the housing development can go ahead should be made by July.