New 68-bed, purpose-built care home will meet local need for specialist dementia care facilities
Plans have been revealed for a new, purpose-built care home at Orchard Grove, Comeytrowe’s 2,000-home community currently under development. The state-of-the-art new facility will be run by Trull-based business, Amica Care Trust, to provide much-needed specialist dementia, residential and respite care. It is expected that the facility will also create over 100 new local jobs.
The care home will provide a modern, welcoming and high-quality care environment, with plans including the creation of 68 bedrooms across two floors, all with ensuite bathrooms. A range of communal spaces and amenities have been designed for relaxing and socialising, including a café, lounges, dining areas, spa, hair salon, multi-purpose activity rooms and quiet rooms.
The first business
This marks the creation of Orchard Grove’s first business and is a major step forward for the community,
which is being delivered by a Consortium of leading housebuilders – Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group, which includes Bovis Homes and Linden Homes. Vistry Group is working in partnership with South West housing association, LiveWest.
Working alongside the Orchard Grove Consortium on this project is Mercian Developments Ltd and Amica Care Trust. Subject to planning, it is hoped that construction will start next year, with the facility opening in 2024.
Accessible design
The care home will be the first purpose-built facility within the Taunton area since 2009. It has been specifically designed around the needs of older people, those with disabilities, and people with dementia – as well as their carers.
Key inclusive design features include easy-to-navigate spaces, dedicated quiet zones, and abundant accessible outdoor space with secure, landscaped gardens and patios. The care home will be located in close proximity to local amenities and transport links, with ample onsite parking also available.
Ecology and sustainability
Extensive planting and landscaping will integrate the care home with its surrounding environment, supporting local ecology and biodiversity while also providing a variety of communal and private garden spaces, accessible footpaths, seating areas, and planting zones for residents to grow their own plants.
With a commitment to sustainable design, the building will feature solar PV panels, thermally-efficient design and low carbon technology to deliver energy-efficient heating, hot water and ventilation.
Local business expansion
With a proven track record in providing exceptional care and support to people and their families, Amica Care Trust owns and operates four nursing and social care homes, as well as being the freeholder of 125 independent living apartments and cottages, including an independent living complex in Taunton for people over the age of 55 years.
Marking a significant expansion for the Trull-based business, the new care facility will boost the local economy, creating over 100 new jobs in a variety of roles. The Trust is a registered charitable company and currently employs 250 staff.
Keren Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Amica Care Trust, said: “We are delighted to be creating the first purpose-built care facility within the Taunton area in over a decade; it will be a fantastic addition to both the new community and the existing local community. Being based in Trull, it is especially exciting to expand here, and bring a much-needed new facility and many new jobs to the area.”
Ian Pugsley from Taylor Wimpey, part of the Orchard Grove Consortium, said: “Orchard Grove has been designed and shaped around the needs of people of all ages. A state-of-the art care home is clearly a much-needed facility for the local area, and we are pleased that it will be the first business at Orchard Grove. We look forward to the many more businesses that will follow.”
- Find out more about Amica Care Trust here: https://www.amicacare.co.uk/
- Mercian Developments Ltd is a leading provider of property development and investment services http://www.merciandev.co.uk/
*Please note: all information is correct at the time of being published but timings may be subject to change*
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