Carroll Build wins £15m refurb of old people’s tower

Local contractor Carroll Build has been chosen to deliver the £15m refurbishment of a Bootle tower block.Liverpool-based healthcare developer VVHC has submitted its application to Sefton Council to refurbish the 16-storey tower block in Church Walk.If gaining planning the scheme would see the empty Irlam House transformed into a new hub for the care of local elderly people.The tower will be re-clad and fitted with new community facilities on two additional penthouse floors, including a communal lounge and top floor restaurant.Residents will also benefit from viewing decks, a gym and yoga room, cinema roof, craft rooms and beauty therapy rooms – with neighbouring residents encouraged to use the facilities.The property, built by George Wimpey in 1964 to a design by borough architect T. Finlay, had originally been ear-marked for demolition.VVHC identified with its partners that it remained structurally sound and developed the funding model that showed Sefton Council that it could meet its care obligations much more cost-effectively than using a standard approach.Work is set to start on site this summer 2019 with completion expected in Autumn of 2020.