Plans for a £9 million dementia home in Kingston took a step forward after Kingston Council appointed Willmott Dixon to build the specialist facility.

The care home, set to open by 2020, will be built on the current Newent Home site in Surbiton. Subject to consultation and planning approval, the 80-bed facility will be owned by the council and run by an independent operating company which will deliver nursing and care services in the home.

Construction work is due to start in winter 2018, subject to planning permission. The new purpose-built residential home will provide care for the increasing number of older people with dementia in the borough as well as generate income for the council from those residents who are able to fund their own care.

Willmott Dixon was awarded the contract for their strong track record in the care and retirement sector as well as their wider understanding on how the council intends to deliver dignity in dementia care.

Cathy Roberts, Kingston Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “We are pleased to be working with Willmott Dixon on this exciting project. Kingston Council is committed to ensuring that there is high quality care available for older residents who need additional support.”

Stephen Taylor, Director of Adults at Kingston Council, said: “With an ageing population in the borough, meeting the needs of people with dementia in Kingston is increasing. The council currently relies on the private sector market to provide most of the bed-based care. This state of the art facility will help us provide much needed places for vulnerable people.”

Roger Forsdyke, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon in South London and Southern Home Counties:

“We are delighted to be working with Kingston Council to create their new dementia home. We have vast experience working in this sector and look forward to using our skills to create this specialist facility. We recently transformed Kingston’s former Magistrate Courts into a new home for the Registration Service and have a strong track record working in the surrounding area. We will support the local economy by using local companies wherever possible, leaving a lasting positive legacy within the community.”

There are estimated to be over 1,500 residents in Kingston, including people under the age of 65, with dementia. It is predicted that this figure will rise to over 2,100 people with dementia by the year 2027.