A new show flat opened at the St John Street site last week as part of the soon-to-be-completed Waltham House extra care development project.

The development, by housing and care organisation Housing 21, will provide 39 one and two-bed apartments for older people which can be rented rent, bought under shared ownership or sold outright.

The company said the grade II listed original building had been carefully restored to provide five of the apartments with the remainder being developed in a new building to the rear, formed around a central courtyard.

Juliette Daniel, development programme manager for Housing 21 said: "The aim of extra care is to promote independence, providing residents with their own home in a communal setting with the reassurance of care and support being available on site 24 hours a day."

The scheme, which is expected to be completed by late June, includes a restaurant, communal lounge, conservatory and laundry.

Waltham House has been developed in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council and the Wirksworth Care Centre Project.

Wirksworth councillor Irene Ratcliffe, said: "I am delighted to see that this project is nearing completion. This much-needed scheme is a valuable resource for the people of Wirksworth."

The Wirksworth Care Centre Project Group was launched 11 years to raise funds for the provision of a care home.

The show flat will be open for viewing every Thursday from 10am and 3pm.