Jewish Care is on track to open its second North-West London independent living scheme this year and has opened a register of interest for those considering housing with care and support on hand.

The £12 million Hendon Wohl Court will be on the site of the charity’s former Ella and Ridley Jacobs home — and the adjacent Sam Beckman Day Centre — which were demolished last year.

Jewish Care considered that the location, close to shops and in the heart of the Jewish community, made it ideal for self-contained apartments for older people. The development will incorporate 16 one- and 16 two-bedroom apartments for the 60-plus and the first tenants are expected to move in at the end of 2018. Rents will be in line with the local market and there will also be some “affordable housing” flats for those on state benefits.

As with all the charity’s capital projects, there is no contribution from government and the Hendon scheme is being funded by a “generous donation” from the Wohl Foundation, alongside a bank loan.

There has been a long waiting list for Jewish Care’s original independent living development, Selig Court on the charity’s Golders Green campus, since it opened in 2010. It comprises 45 one- and two-bedroom apartments, eight of which are for social rent.

At Selig Court, priority is given to Holocaust survivors and refugees. This will not be the case in Hendon.

In a recent Jewish community survey, 40 per cent of respondents aged 65 and above said their care preference was for independent living with access to support.

Such apartments enable couples to continue to live together and receive the support and care they require for their different needs. They are not suitable for people who require round-the-clock care from the outset.

Jewish Care chief executive Simon Morris said the development was part “of our building for the future strategy. The demand for independent living is growing. Hendon Wohl Court will help us meet the high demand from the community for this new model of housing and care. As we have experienced in Golders Green, waiting lists for these apartments can grow quickly. If you or a family member is interested, contact us sooner rather than later.”

The charity is planning further independent living projects in Stanmore and Redbridge.