New build “Everybody in Herne Bay knows about
this place,” says Ms King. “It had a huge swimming pool. Most people learned to swim here. It had tennis courts. Local Cubs and Scouts used it. It was part of the community.” However, after standing empty for nearly
two decades, local residents were keen to see the site brought back into productive use. “When building started, everybody was
delighted,” she adds. Rather than wiping the slate clean,
developers chose to retain elements of the original building. Parts of the care home today remain integrated into the historic structure, creating distinctive layouts that differ from many modern purpose-built homes. “We’ve inherited the building and made
use of what we’ve got,” Ms King explains. “The design of the home is unique and
we’ve been able to create some incredibly spacious areas.” The aim was to end-up with a building
that has a sense of place and continuity that resonates with local people, she explains. “We’ve had people come in and say, ‘I met
my husband here,’ and they just want a look around because they have such wonderful memories.”
The reality of delivering a new-build project Like many construction projects completed during a very wet period last winter, Herne
Bay Manor’s journey to opening was not entirely straightforward, and the home opening was pushed back from its original intended launch in autumn last year to March. Dunham’s pipeline is ambitious, with
additional homes planned in Whitstable, Canterbury and King’s Hill. The first opening under a new brand is
always going to be a test case in many ways. Unlike established operators with strong local recognition, Dunham has had to build awareness from scratch.
“It’s always harder opening not just a new
home but also a new company,” she says. “Everybody’s heard of the big providers
around here. Because we’re so new, you have to work a little bit harder.” Established providers in the area include Barchester, although its Herne Place home is currently rated by the regulator as Requires Improvement, and Miramar Care Home, operated by Avery and rated Good.
A different definition of luxury The UK care market is not short of luxury operators. Grand entrance halls, sweeping staircases and hotel-inspired interiors have become increasingly common features across premium developments. Ms King believes Herne Bay Manor offers
something different. “It depends how you define luxury,” she
says. “You can go into some beautiful homes
and they’re stunningly beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.” But she says her focus is on what happens
beyond the décor. “I’d like to say ours is going to be the care
that outruns everything.” That philosophy shapes recruitment,
training and operational culture at the home, she adds. Many care homes, she suggests,
unintentionally create highly structured working environments where staff become locked into routines. She wants to see a different approach at
Herne Bay Manor. “Some people are used to being told what
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