Willmott Dixon has broken ground on a state-of-the-art new retirement living community called Homewood Grove in Chertsey, Surrey, for Rangeford Villages.

Joining Willmott Dixon and Rangeford Villages was investor Octopus Real Estate at a project start event on the 4.7-acre brownfield site that will be transformed into a best-in-class retirement community for the over 60s.

Willmott Dixon's site team at Homewood Grove

Once complete, Homewood Grove will comprise of 116 one, two and three bed apartments along with community facilities for residents that include a wellbeing centre (pool, steam room and sauna), gym, dance studio, bistro and bar/coffee shop, a members lounge, village hall, activities room and a hair and beauty salon.

Sustainability is at the heart of the village, with each apartment being designed with underfloor heating, double-glazed picture windows and an all-electric energy system to help lower bills and reduce the environmental impact.

Other electric initiatives include photovoltaic array to the flat roof, air source heat pumps for the swimming pool, electric car charging points, electric pool car as well as communal transport will all be available for residents’ use.

Howard Nankivell, chief executive officer at Rangeford Villages said: “In line with high regional demand for quality, eco-friendly living solutions for the over 60’s, we are delighted to have commenced construction and be working with Willmott Dixon as our main contractor for the project. Developments such as Homewood Grove form a crucial part of our future housing provision in the UK and our teams are looking forward to establishing Homewood Grove as an exciting addition to the local community.”

Richard Poulter, managing director from Willmott Dixon’s Central South region said: “We are delighted to have started this prestigious project, which will create a welcoming place for Rangeford Villages’ residents to enjoy their later years.

“Through the programme, we will be delivering a wide range of community initiatives, and that includes supporting apprenticeships and work experience placements, while our social value team will be interacting with local schools to showcase the career opportunities the construction industry creates.”

The integrated retirement community is due to complete in Spring 2024.