A brand new care home is currently being built by LNT Construction on the site of the Handley Page RAF repair site in York.

Ideal Carehome, who will operate the 66 bed care home, have named the new building ‘Handley House’ to honour Handley Page who were credited to keeping numerous planes airborne in the Second World Ward. The site was previously called the York Aircraft Repair Depot and was known locally as ‘The Yard.’

Michael Gledhill, general manager of Handley House, said: “I had a great time at the museum and am very grateful to the staff there for showing me around.

“The guys I met are extremely knowledgeable about the war and the local area. It was so interesting to look through all the archive pictures and maps of Clifton Airfield. I am hoping we will able to use some of their archive memorabilia within the home which is really exciting.”

Construction started on the residential care home last year and the building has been rapidly taking shape behind the hoarding. Once open, Handley House will provide person-centred care to residents using the latest care plan technology. The facilities will include a cinema room, cafe area as well as spacious en-suite bedrooms, light and airy social space and landscaped gardens.

Mr Gledhill said: “The face that The Yard made a vital contribution to keeping the RAF flying during the way makes it feel like a real honour to be opening our care home on such a presitigous site.

“I am sure the fascinating history will provide a real talking point for our residents and their families, and we will certainly take our new residents over to the museum so they can see exactly what used to be on the site of their new home.”