A FLAGSHIP project to build a block of retirement apartments has celebrated an important milestone.

The ‘topping out’ ceremony for the £12m Clement House – a Bracknell Forest Homes project – was held last week ahead of an anticipated spring 2015 completion date.

The housing association is providing about £8m, with the rest of funding from Bracknell Forest Council and the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency.

Cllr Dale Birch, Bracknell Forest Council executive member for adult services, health and housing, said: “Clement House is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to work with partners to deliver the best possible accommodation for our older residents.

“This exciting new development is a real example of how organisations work together to deliver innovative ways of improving homes for older people.

“Well done and thanks to Bracknell Forest Homes and their development partners for driving our first purpose- built extra care facility to its planned opening in 2015.” Clement House, being built near Garth Hill College in Sandy Lane, will have a restaurant, hairdressers, hobby room, IT suite, library and landscaped gardens alongside the apartments.

A ‘topping out’ ceremony marks the completion of the basic structure of the building.