The first bricks on a new retirement complex have been laid.

East Anglian Daily Times: Andrew Wickett, MP Will Quince and Gavin Martin Picture: MCCARTHY AND STONEAndrew Wickett, MP Will Quince and Gavin Martin Picture: MCCARTHY AND STONE (Image: Andrew H Williams 2018)

Colchester MP Will Quince donned a hard hat to help lay the building blocks of McCarthy and Stone’s new Lancer House development in Butt Road in the town.

He was joined by regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone North London, Andrew Wickett, and senior site manager Gavin Martin.

Lancer House will comprise of one and two-bedroom privately-owned apartments exclusively designed for the over 70s.

Apartments will be available to reserve in early 2019, with first occupations expected summer 2019.

It is designed to offer retirees the opportunity to maintain an independent lifestyle, while also having access to tailored domestic and personal assistance packages to help them manage their day-to-day lives – and with an on-site restaurant providing freshly cooked meals.

An estates manager will take care of the day-to-day running of the development, which will also have secure entry systems and 24-hour emergency call points.