Work has begun on building a new retirement village after a former leisure club was demolished.

The old Redwood Lodge country club site near Failand will be transformed into a 106 apartments and 20 cottages for people aged over 60.

The 15-acre development, which is being carried out by Audley Retirement, will feature leisure facilities, including a library, restaurant, swimming pool, sauna and spa room – which will be open to homeowners and the community. An estimated 65 new jobs will be created as a result.

Construction work is being done in phases, with the first occupants set to move in by Christmas 2017.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held on September 16. Guests, including MP Dr Liam Fox and North Somerset Council leader Nigel Ashton, attended.

Nick Sanderson, chief executive of Audley Retirement, said the new Audley Redwood village is already attracting interest from buyers.

He said: “We look forward to restoring this charming site to its former glory and opening Audley Redwood to a new generation of owners and the community.”

Dr Fox said North Somerset required similar developments.

He said: “It’s time the importance of specialist retirement living housing options was recognised. Not only do these villages allow people to stay in their own home, they also have social benefits.

“Developments like Audley Redwood are exactly the sort of place we need. The redevelopment of the Redwood Hotel and Country Club will start a new chapter for the site.”