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The glittering awards ceremony took place in the Banqueting House in Whitehall, Westminster, where Heald Farm Court was announced as the first ever winner of an award to recognise best practice in providing age-friendly housing.

The development, which was designed by Liverpool-based DK Architects and built by Cruden Construction, was completed towards the end of last year and offers quality accommodation with on-site care support as and when it is required.

The £12.5 million extra care development offers residents independent living, combined with access to 24 hour care and support, as and when they need it, provided by MHA Care Group.

Heald Farm Court was developed by Helena Living, in partnership with St Helens Council, and was part-funded by the Department of Health grant, which was secured by St Helens Council and was the largest single allocation to a Local Authority in the 2008/09 bidding round. The scheme is managed by MHA Care Group.

An official opening was held recently, with television’s ‘Queen of Clean’, Aggie MacKenzie, giving the flagship Helena development the thumbs up.

Rob Young, Chief Executive of Helena Partnerships, said: “We are thrilled to have been announced as winners of the Housing Design Awards.

“Heald Farm Court is a flagship development for us and combines superb accommodation, with excellent facilities, and a real community feel.

“Heald Farm Court is a fantastic development and shows what can be achieved through partnership working and dedication to providing quality, aspirational and affordable, housing. I am delighted to win this accolade and hope that it is the first of many such awards for Helena.”

A purpose-built extra care scheme, Heald Farm Court boasts attractive apartments and bungalows, alongside landscaped gardens, a bistro, hairdressers, gym, communal area, laundry facilities and health and well-being centre, as well as a mobility scooter store and visitors accommodation.

Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Council Cabinet Member for Urban Regeneration and Housing, added: “This is a great addition to the housing offer in the borough. This award underlines the quality of the scheme which has so much to offer local people, and the importance of partnership working and Government funding in housing."

There are now just a few apartments and bungalows left available on a shared ownership basis.

To find out more about Heald Farm Court visit www.helenaliving.co.uk