A NEW retirement development in Malvern has been officially opened by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire.

Audley Ellerslie contains 101 apartments, converted from three Victorian mansions, including a Grade II listed building, situated between Abbey Road and Wells Road, just to the south of Malvern town centre.

Cassian Roberts, the high sheriff, said: “It was an honour to officially open Ellerslie. It’s fantastic to see the community coming together, especially in such a gorgeous setting. The facilities are of the highest quality, and so is the care. I truly believe this is the future of retirement and it’s easy to see the appeal in downsizing when the offering is so strong.”

Nick Sanderson, the chief executive of Audley Group, said: “We are thrilled to be celebrating the opening of Audley Ellerslie to our new owners and the surrounding community. The beautiful setting couldn’t be more idyllic, and it is a proud moment for us."

The site was once the home of the Ellerslie girls' school.