A £50million village for the over-55s is being planned for the heart of Weymouth.

The major development at the former MoD site at Bincleaves, could bring in up to 200 new jobs, according to the company behind the scheme.

The complex would include 190 apartments, a 68 bedroom specialist care home and a further 18 bedroom dedicated care and respite hotel The purpose-built village would also include sea-view restaurants, lounges and cafe-bars, a fully-equipped fitness suite, hobby and activity facilities. A fleet of electric-powered cars will be available for residents.

The development is being undertaken by Surrey-based New Care Horizons Ltd which has been set up to develop a series of ‘care villages’ across the UK.

A spokesman for the company said the harbour-side location and close proximity to the town centre were important considerations when selecting the six-acre, former naval development area for the site of its proposed village. New Care Horizons Ltd, working with care providers, Somerset Care, will soon be submitting a planning application for the proposed development.

There will be also a new landscaped promenade continuing the Newton’s Cove walkway to a museum/cafe which will incorporate an outdoor terrace overlooking the harbour.

Most of the facilities will also be available to senior citizens living in the neighbourhood through an affordable club membership scheme.

New Care Horizons director Martin Ross said: “This high quality, comprehensive village development will sit well within the harbourside location and residents of all abilities will be able to easily access the town centre for local services. “When required, residents will have the opportunity to enjoy using a selection of the village’s own fleet of low-energy electric cars for visiting friends or relatives in the Weymouth and Dorset area.”

“We are extremely proud of our innovative proposals for the very high quality village that we are hoping to create and we believe that we will provide an excellent amenity for Weymouth, Portland and the surrounding areas.”

* There will be a public exhibition of the plans at the craft workshops at the rear of the former Brewers Quay on September 20 from 2pm to 7pm and on September 21 from 9.30am to 1pm.

The planning application is likely to be submitted in January next year with the village scheduled to open, if approved, in 2014.