Construction will begin on a new "much needed" seniors home in St. George's today, Government said on Friday.said the new facility ? to be built around two of the existing buildings of the "old St. George's rest home" ? will have several improvements.

The new St. George's Residential Care Facility for Seniors will house 43 people.

Mrs. Minors said 24 purpose built suites for those requiring mixed levels of nursing care will be available as well as nine other rooms.

A "wandering" path and healing garden will also be grown for seniors with Alzheimer's to enjoy.

Three independent living apartments will be available for seniors who can take care of themselves but might want to be closer to their contemporaries.

The new residential care facility will replace the old rest home that was declared "seriously deficient" and in violation of fire regulations in February 2000, she said.

She also said the "lack of all types of elder care facilities in the eastern parishes" and growing number of senior citizens on the Island spurred the development forward.

Following the advice of health care professionals, Government was urged to meet the needs of the public by replacing "rest home beds with intermediate and nursing care beds", she said.

The new home, that is planned to cover 48,000 square feet, is expected to open by the autumn of 2005.

It is expected to cost Government $19.3 million for DeCosta Construction to finish the project in 15 months.

"This has been a long awaited occasion, so we are very pleased that on Monday...construction works on this much needed facility will begin," Mrs. Minors said.