A new residential home has been unveiled with the aim of promoting rehabilitation and independent living for people with learning disabilities.

The newly-refurbished Park View complex, near Lister Park, Manningham, is described as "a first for Bradford".

The building, in Park View Road, has been transformed from a 16-bed care home into an 11-bed residential home to support people with moderate to complex learning difficulties, and associated mental health problems or physical disabilities.

The scheme was unveiled by Brunel Housing Support Works yesterday following a £350,000 investment from its parent company, Yorkshire Housing.

The project has been developed to offer round-the-clock care for service users aged over 18.

The centre is designed to appeal to all cultures and comprises a separate halal food preparation area in the kitchen and a quiet prayer room.

Other facilities include capacity for three wheelchair users, a self contained flat with kitchenette to promote independent living and a sensory room for people with sensory impairments.

Mark Coup, Head of Care and Support, said: "Park View is a first for Bradford and has been developed to promote independent living for those with learning disabilities, no matter how severe. Every inch has been designed to support our service users, from extra-large rooms through to facilities that support individuals with varying disabilities and from different cultures."

Additional features include specialist furniture, bathing equipment and design features to enable people with disabilities to manage their own environment.

Mr Coup said £60,000 had been spent on the furniture, which he described as robust, comfortable and made from recycled plastic.

He said he was keen for the centre's staff and customer base to reflect the wide variety of cultures across Bradford.

Tansy Hepton, group chief executive of Yorkshire Housing, said: "One of the key aims of our vision is to deliver more homes for people, particularly vulnerable people, living in Yorkshire.

"This is a fantastic opportunity because it's providing homes for people, some of whom have never had homes of their own - people who have learning difficulties, particularly looking at some of the black and minority ethnic communities where there's very little provision."

Nadhia Hussain, area manager at Brunel Housing said: "The refurbishment of Park View marks a major investment for Brunel Housing and one which will certainly improve the standard of living for service users with learning disabilities who are looking to retain their independence whilst still having access to round the clock care and support."

Brunel Housing has been working in close partnership with Bradford Council and health authorities to ensure the scheme matches the needs of tenants.