McCarthy Stone has had its proposals for a new, fully integrated, urban retirement village in Wimborne approved by Dorset County Council.
McCarthy Stone’s £41 million development will deliver a sensitively designed scheme of 67 high-quality one-and two-bedroom Extra Care apartments, 32 Extra Care bungalows and two-storey chalets in a range of tenure options as well as nine open market houses, set in spacious and beautifully landscaped surroundings to create an attractive, supportive, and vibrant retirement community.
The needs of residents will be put at the heart of the development with a wellbeing hub, circular fitness route, allotments, village green, bistro and dining areas all being supported by 24-hour flexible care and support on-site, shaped entirely around their individual needs, and all managed by McCarthy Stone. The proposed layout has been designed with a central accessible hub, allowing access for all residents whether in the main building or surrounding bungalows.
The shared spaces provided with McCarthy Stone’s developments help to create a ready-made supportive and vibrant community for customers to access, whilst retaining their independence and involvement in the wider local area. A range of social activities, events, organised outings, and opportunities to make new friends will be available to customers.
Shane Paull, divisional managing director (Southern) for McCarthy Stone, said: “We are delighted that councillors voted for the approval of our proposals for Wimborne. Our urban retirement village will be the first of its kind for McCarthy Stone given the level of integration across the scheme and we are proud to have an opportunity to be able to deliver this in Dorset, the home of our Head Office for the past 44 years.”
There is a significant need to provide suitable choices in the type of housing available for older people in Dorset. The County Council predicts the number of older people will rise by 60% by 2033. McCarthy Stone’s approved plans will significantly improve local housing choice for older people who wish to retain their independence in their own home, with access to tailored care and support as well as a warm, fun, and caring community of friendly neighbours to encourage a happier and healthier later life.
The plans will also help to address needs in the wider housing market, by freeing up homes further down the chain for families and first-time buyers. Two in three chains created by people moving into a retirement property typically end with a first time buyer joining the housing ladder.