State-of-the-art care home planned for Sherford

Plans for a new ‘state of the art’ care home for older adults in Sherford are now in motion, thanks to a pivotal agreement between the Sherford Consortium and Mercroft Estates.

The chosen site already allows for a care home to be developed, and a detailed planning application is set to be submitted in the coming weeks for a premium quality elderly care facility.

This project is part of phase 2D of Sherford’s ongoing construction, situated between Aquila Drive and Clara Way.

ABOVE: Proposed visuals. Image: KWL Architects

The plan will see the specialist care developer Mercroft Estates, a joint venture between Mercian Group and Barcroft Estates, leading the project. 

The Sherford Consortium, responsible for the expansive 5,500-home new town, includes renowned homebuilders Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group, which comprises Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, and Countryside Partnerships. Portunus Associates, a healthcare real estate expert, is representing Mercroft Estates in this venture.

The bespoke care facility will feature 72 spacious bedrooms, each equipped with en suite wet rooms. 

Tailored to meet the needs of older adults, the home will offer a variety of communal spaces designed for relaxation and social interaction, including lounges, private dining rooms, a café bar, a cinema/activity room, and a professional hair and beauty salon.

The care home will boast a contemporary three-floor design, set within secure landscaped gardens. 

The building will be fully electric, incorporating air source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points, ensuring robust environmental credentials and cost-efficiency.

Pending planning approval, construction is anticipated to commence in Spring 2025, with the facility expected to open by Summer 2026. 

The development is set to generate numerous job opportunities for the local area.

Richard Harrison from Taylor Wimpey, part of the Sherford Consortium said: “We are delighted to be able to share the news that a care home is planned for Sherford and we are confident that it will be an invaluable addition to the community. The intention is to make quality specialist care available in a modern, high-quality facility. The care home will be an asset to Sherford and the surrounding area, making a real difference to the lives of local people and their families.”

Chris Towers, Director at Mercroft Estates Limited, said: “We are one step closer to creating a quality care home for Sherford which, in turn, will bring much-needed care facilities to the area and create 100 new local jobs. As one of several joint venture care projects we are progressing, we are pleased to partner with the Sherford Consortium and look forward to sharing more details as plans progress.”

Bernard Wynne, Director at Portunus Associates, added: “There is an identified shortfall in high quality care beds in the local area, which this development will help to redress.”