PLANS for a £10 million nursing home "village" in Co Armagh have been put forward - with developers claiming it is the first of its kind in Ireland.
The Lurgan-based project includes a 70-bed care home, 12 assisted living units and 11 private family homes on historic grounds in the town.
The proposal was presented at Craigavon Borough Council earlier this week by Greenbee developments, a firm made up of local business leaders.
They say the multi-million pound scheme will create 70 new jobs in the care sector as well as additional construction jobs.
The main nursing home and living units will be situated on the site of Providence House on the Cornakinnegar Road, which is to be restored and incorporated into the overall design as part of the project. Private nursing home company, Manor Healthcare, have been approached to manage the facility.
Gavin McEvoy of Greenbee developments said: "We have an ageing population and a growing need for appropriate facilities in the region and we believe our proposals offer a cutting-edge model of nursing care that will offer high quality living in a beautiful setting.
"We are also pleased that we have been able to retain the old Providence House which has a rich history, and incorporate it into our plans for a beautiful Georgian-style mansion which will front the new development."
The group will also provide a nursing staff training centre on site to provide ongoing training to ensure high standards of care, according to the proposal.