Ann’s Care Homes has submitted a planning application for a new £7m purpose-built nursing and step-down care facility at Lisnisky Lane, Craigavon, a development expected to create around 100 permanent jobs while helping to meet growing demand for specialist care provision and supporting the wider health and social care system across the region.
The proposed, located adjacent to Craigavon Area Hospital, would provide 69 high-quality care beds on a two-acre site and support an estimated 40 construction jobs during the development phase, delivering significant economic benefits alongside the expansion of local healthcare provision.
The facility has been designed to accommodate a range of care needs, including general nursing care, dementia nursing, mental health nursing, learning disability support and physical disability care.
The facility has been designed to support resident wellbeing, dignity and independence, with four individual care units across two floors, with all accommodation provided in spacious single-occupancy en-suite bedrooms. Dedicated communal lounges, dining areas, quiet rooms and visitor facilities will create a welcoming and therapeutic environment for residents, families and staff.
The plans also include specialist facilities such as a multi-disciplinary meeting room, activity and training spaces and accessible accommodation for residents with physical disabilities. Extensive landscaping, tree planting and on-site parking are also proposed as part of the development.
Established in 1994, Ann’s has grown to become one of the largest independent care providers on the island of Ireland, employing more than 3,000 staff across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Through its care home division alone, Ann’s operates 25 care homes in Northern Ireland, providing more than 1,260 care beds and employing approximately 2,000 staff.
Impression images of proposed facility
Michael McQuade Director of Ann’s Care Homes said: “Across Northern Ireland, hospitals continue to face significant pressure, with patients often remaining in acute hospital beds because appropriate step-down or nursing care placements are unavailable.
This development has been specifically designed to help address that challenge. By providing 69 modern, purpose-built care beds adjacent to Craigavon Area Hospital, we can support the timely discharge of patients who are medically fit to leave hospital, while ensuring they continue to receive high-quality care in the most appropriate setting.
We have been working closely with Health and Social Care Trusts to understand current and ongoing needs. The proposed facility will help create additional capacity, offering support for delayed discharges and respond to the growing demand for specialist care placements. The result is better outcomes for patients and families, while also helping to free up valuable hospital capacity for those who need acute treatment.”
Sinead McAvoy, Technical Director of Tom Stokes Planning, said: “This is a strategically important proposal that addresses a clearly identified need for additional nursing and step-down care provision within the wider Craigavon area.
The site’s location, immediately adjacent to Craigavon Area Hospital, makes it particularly well suited to supporting the health and social care system, while the scheme has been carefully designed to provide a high-quality care environment that integrates sensitivity with its surroundings. The proposal also represents a substantial £7 million investment and will create significant employment opportunities during construction and once operational.”
The planning application has now been submitted and will be considered by the relevant planning authority in due course.
