BELFAST Central Mission's new £5 million Copelands development on the Co Down coastline between Donaghadee and Millisle, which will provide 50 full- and part-time jobs across nursing, domestic and management, is on track for completion next March.
The announcement comes as key stakeholders gathered on-site to witness completion of the complex’s footprint, with all major ground floor brickwork, internal drainage, and concrete flooring now complete.
Downpatrick-based engineering contractors Hugh J. O’Boyle is spearheading the building work, creating 40 jobs during the construction phase alone.
Marking its 130th anniversary, BCM’s flagship project will provide the highest standard of practice-leading dementia, nursing and residential care for up to 60 residents across two floors with each en-suite private rooms.
The organisation's chief executive Nicky Conway said: “To see the structure take shape really gives a sense of the scale of the project and builds a tangible anticipation for all that is still to come.
“Copelands will encompass everything needed to create a genuine home from home where people can enjoy fulfilling lives. We are in the process of recruiting a nursing manager who will lead the team in delivering the highest possible level of care for residents.”
Copelands is being built on the former site of BCM’s two original care projects - Childhaven orphanage and later conference centre, and the Craigmore children’s home.
Copelands has been designed by Northstar, the only specialist care home design and development consultancy in the whole of the UK.
The long-term plan for the Copelands site will incorporate a further phase of extra care housing which would see it ultimately become Northern Ireland’s first continuing care retirement community.
BCM was founded in 1889 as part of the Methodist Church’s response to inner-city issues.The organisation continues to work with communities through a range of social care projects and service delivery in Belfast, North Down and Ards, Magherafelt, Dungannon, Armagh and Craigavon.
