Planning proposals could be submitted within weeks following overwhelming interest in the partnership's first village, New Oscott, which opens this March.

Subject to planning approval, construction could begin on the disused seven-acre site, currently owned by property developer Calthorpe Estates, next year.

Initial proposals show provision for up to 250 one and two bedroom homes, available for affordable rent, part-purchase and outright sale, each with their own front door, kitchen, living room and shower room.

A village centre with 18 health and leisure facilities would provide a social meeting point where residents (aged 55-plus) and visitors from the wider community could share skills, interests and social events. Facilities would include a gym, IT centre, greenhouse, restaurant, craft room and village hall with opportunities to try Tai Chi, painting and singing amongst a varied range of community-based activities.

Dedicated on-site care for a third of the community would be delivered by The ExtraCare Charitable Trust's NVQ or nurse-qualified staff team offering couples a 'home together' for life. Preventative healthcare and advice would be delivered by the Charity's award-winning Well-being Service.

Partners say the new village centre would be a valuable resource for residents and hundreds of local older people including volunteers and families representing all generations from across the wider community.

The Village would provide up to 80 full time jobs and a further 200 construction jobs during its development.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, comments: "I'm delighted that we are making plans for the third of our £200m scheme for five village partnerships across Birmingham. The village will provide exceptional, affordable housing, state of the art facilities and fantastic services that support older people in retaining their independence and quality of life whatever their age or mobility.

"This £40m village will be a real boost to the construction industry and local community by providing much needed jobs and the wider community will also benefit as older citizens will have use of facilities in the village, helping bring our communities together.

"This is a really exciting development and having seen the kind of interest that Birmingham's first retirement village in New Oscott has attracted, I've no doubt the retirement villages will revolutionise housing for older people."

John Payne, Partnership Director for The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, comments: "Already we have had over 1000 applications for our 260-home New Oscott Village. Village demand across Birmingham shows that older people, especially those who are at risk of isolation through reduced mobility or limited resources, still want to engage with their community, share skills and enjoy their independence.

"The Hagley Road Village would regenerate a disused site bringing inward investment, jobs and a community lifestyle. Above all it would offer huge benefits for local older people looking for an affordable and innovative alternative to the traditional care home."

Jayne Herritty, Sales And Marketing Director for Calthorpe Estates, comments: "The plans for ExtraCare's Hagley Road Village are exciting and provide outstanding facilities and services which will benefit the Estate.

"These proposals are yet another example of effective collaboration with a well-thought out scheme, that we endorse and believe will be welcomed by the local community."

- Notes for Editors -

New Oscott Village (developed with Midland Heart and supported by the Homes and Communities Agency) is the first of five proposed schemes across the City as part of a £200m village development partnership between Birmingham City Council and The ExtraCare Charitable Trust.

Based in Coventry, The ExtraCare Charitable Trust operates 9 villages and 20 'extra care' housing schemes for 3000 residents across the Midlands and North. Committed to supporting older peoples' health and well-being within an active and sociable environment, the Charity has won two national awards in 2009 as follows:

The Housing and Health category at the UK Housing Awards in November 2009, for its Residents' Well-being Service.

The Healthcare and Medical Research category, at the Charity Awards in June 2009, for supporting residents with dementia.

Further Information: Richard Tower, PR Manager. M: 0772 055 3658. richard.tower@extracare.org.uk