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County council chiefs are considering applicants for a £70,000 contract to demolish one of its former residential care homes for the elderly, after it was closed down as part of wider plans to invest in care for older people.

Derbyshire County Council has offered out the work for a contractor to demolish the former county-council run Red House Care Home, on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, which was closed in 2016.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: “Red House closed in 2016 as part of a wider plan by the county council to invest in residential care, extra care and specialist care for older people. As it’s no longer needed, it’s due to be demolished.

“Also on the site are Spire Lodge and The Outback which provide support for families, including respite breaks for children with disabilities.”

Derbyshire County Council headqaurters in Matlock

Derbyshire County Council stated that plans are already underway to relocate both Spire Lodge and The Outback as soon as alternative accommodation for these centres has been provided.

A council spokesperson added: “Plans are progressing to relocate both centres when purpose-built accommodation has been developed. Options for the site will be considered once it’s been vacated which is expected to be by summer 2025.”

The demolition work at the former Red House Care Home will involve the removal of the existing building and a garage.

Derbyshire County Council explained that the overall site forms part of a larger complex occupied by other buildings owned and currently used by the council.

It stressed that these buildings are used on a daily basis and are occupied by vulnerable children which has to be considered by the chosen contractor when demolition work begins.

According to the GOV.UK Contracts Finder website, contractors were given between July 20 and August 18 to submit a tender for the work which is scheduled to begin from October 9 with a completion date expected by November 30.

Derbyshire County Council has already approved £1,136,433 of funding to support ongoing plans to relocate, replace and improve Spire Lodge which is currently on Sheffield Road, in Chesterfield, and has been earmarked to move to an Ashbrook site next to Ashgate Croft School.

Council chiefs consider bids for £70,000 contract to demolish Chesterfield care home