A PUBLIC exhibition detailing plans to demolish the War Memorial Cottage Hospital and build retirement accommodation takes place today, Thursday.

McCarthy and Stone, the UK’s leading retirement housebuilder, bought the site from the British Red Cross and hopes to create 46 one and two-bedroom apartments in place of the existing building.

The company says any development will be ‘sensitive’ to the history of the building, which was funded by the community in the wake of the First World War as a memorial to those who died.

Plans will be on show at St John’s Church in Church Hill from 3pm to 7pm today, November 30.

Ian Wilkins, north west regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone, said: “We are looking forward to speaking to the local community about our proposals, and hearing their feedback.

“This development would provide much-needed specialist housing in Knutsford, and would positively contribute to the local community through a high-quality, attractive design.

“McCarthy and Stone recognises that there is a rising demand for retirement accommodation in Cheshire East, with the projected number of people aged over 65 set to rise by 42% by 2037.

“We recognise that the site is important to the local community. We have a clear aim to honour the commemorative significance of the site, and hope to work closely with the local community moving forward with our proposals.”

The developer’s initial plans include a memorial garden open to the public with access from Northwich Road, featuring original elements of the current building while other features will be incorporated into the new structure where possible.

This consultation will allow for feedback from residents, which – where possible – will help inform the final design proposals.

McCarthy and Stone told a Knutsford Town Council meeting earlier this month that it would consider putting demolition of the building on hold in light of plans to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War in November 2018.

For more information from McCarthy and Stone, call freephone 0800 298 7040 or visit mccarthyandstoneconsultation.co.uk/knutsford