News
Octopus partners with Acacia Care to fund three new homes
Real estate investor Octopus Real Estate has announced a £35m strategic partnership with Acacia Care to fund three new care homes. The three homes will form part of Octopus Healthcare Fund’s portfolio of more than 100 homes. Two of the homes are recent acquisitions by the Fund. Currently being constructed by Synergy Care Developments in Leicestershire and Norfolk, both projects are due to complete in 2025, when Acacia Care will operate each home on a long-term lease. Synergy is constructing the homes to an all-electric specification, helping the Fund
towards its 2040 net zero target. In addition, the Fund recently saw
the practical completion of its first fully operational all-electric home, in Hinckley, Leicestershire, which was developed by Care Build Group on behalf of Acacia Care. Max Weitzmann, investment director at Octopus Real Estate, said: “We’re pleased to build on our partnership with Acacia Care, an experienced and well-respected operator. We have now worked together on the development of five best-in-class-elderly care homes across the UK, totalling over 350 beds. It’s another example of Octopus Real Estate’s commitment to delivering quality, sustainable homes, fit for the future.” Acacia Care MD Jay Patel commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Octopus Real Estate to fund and operate these three purpose-built care facilities. At Acacia we believe that everyone has the right to live in a dignified, private and respectful environment, and the homes we have funded with the Octopus Team are a prime example of that commitment.”
PRP to deliver Sussex net zero retirement scheme
Architect firm PRP has been appointed to lead the delivery of an integrated retirement community in Albourne, Sussex. The 10.6-acre scheme for Inspired Villages
will provide 84 homes for older people, along with a range of community benefits. Construction is being led by ARJ Construction and commenced in January. The project – Wellcroft Green – will employ
low-carbon techniques and materials to achieve net-zero carbon status. Key features will include solar electricity generation, air- source heat pumps, EV charging points, secure cycle spaces, and rainwater harvesting systems. The development will provide a diverse mix of homes, including apartments and cottages. On-site amenities will include a gym, fitness studio, café, restaurant, library, community space, and a village shop, accessible to residents and the wider Albourne community. Architecturally, the design will feature distinct areas including a village square, village green, and southern meadow. PRP associate director Mark Walker said: “We are proud to work with Inspired Villages on this significant scheme. The Albourne project represents a major step forward in
March 2024
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
sustainable retirement living. Our design will deliver a beautifully contextual collection of buildings that reflect and complement their semi-rural setting. Albourne will be net-zero in operation with the integration of renewable energy sources, reducing environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.”
Sonia Parol, design director for Inspired Villages, commented: “We’re so pleased that our Wellcroft Green village at Albourne is taking shape. Following in the footsteps of our recently opened village, Millfield Green, the scheme will be net zero carbon regulated energy and bring 84 modern, bespoke homes designed especially for people over 65 to the Mid-Sussex area. We have a wealth of experience designing villages for over 65s, with our nine successful villages, and bring all that knowledge to our plans for this latest village. Combined with valuable and innovative insight from PRP, we are confident Wellcroft Green will be a thriving community that enriches the lives of our residents as well as supports the local area with fantastic facilities including a coffee shop, gym and fitness suites.”
Birchgrove to redevelop Chiswick police station
Retirement homes provider Birchgrove has secured planning permission to redevelop the site of a former police station on Chiswick High Street.
The permission from Hounslow Council
will see the construction of a fifty-unit retirement living community. The new one and two-bed apartments will be available to rent by those aged 65 and over, with facilities including a 24-hour concierge service, restaurant, licenced bar, courtyard garden, and wellness suite. The scheme will also provide a £400,000 contribution towards affordable housing in Hounslow and has been assessed as highly sustainable – achieving a minimum 77 per cent reduction in carbon emissions over the regulatory baseline. Birchgrove currently operates three retirement communities across the South- East, with three further communities under construction. Another three London sites – Chiswick, Hampton Court, and Mill Hill – have been acquired. Birchgrove chief executive Honor
Barratt said: “After almost two years of consultation we are thrilled to have secured planning permission, and I would like to thank everyone – including the council and local residents – for both their support and suggestions to ensure the development is the best it can be and does Chiswick justice. “All too often older people are shoved to the end of a cul-de-sac somewhere, but not here. With our development bang in the middle of Chiswick High Street, our residents will be able to flourish at the heart of the community.”
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