Plans for a new Integrated Retirement Community in Weybridge have been submitted by later living operators Amicala and development partner, Socius, following a four-month consultation with residents and community organisations.
Around 600 people responded to the most recent round of consultation about proposals to repurpose the existing JTI Headquarters, a 10-acre site on Members Hill at Brooklands in Weybridge, into specialist accommodation for senior living.
Respondents to the latest round of consultation were strongly supportive of plans to convert the current office building into a retirement community. A further majority supported the proposed designs, which have now been submitted to Elmbridge Borough Council as a planning application
Integrated Retirement Communities remain a relatively new concept in the UK. Unlike traditional care facilities, residents own their own home with more space, including their own front door, to maintain independence and privacy. There is a strong focus on community, combating loneliness and boosting wellbeing.
The plans include 205 purpose-built, age-appropriate homes for sale alongside a range of amenities that will be accessible to the wider community including shops, a hydropool, exercise studio and café, enabling residents to live active and healthy lives.
Henry Lumby, Chief Development Officer, Amicala, said:
“Our plans will provide much needed new homes for local older people seeking to right-size within their local community. This green and vibrant community-setting, will integrate with the wider community to combat isolation, boost wellbeing, and support residents to live healthier, happier lives.
“These extra care facilities have been shown to reduce pressure on the local NHS and wider care system, whilst also freeing-up local family sized homes.
“Ultra-sustainable, Members Hill will be net zero in operation, utilising all-electric and on-site renewable energy solutions, from solar panels to electric vehicles.”
Doug Higgins, Project Director, Socius said:
“For the last few months we’ve been in consultation with the community as we’ve developed plans for this innovative new Integrated Retirement Community in Weybridge, and we are pleased that local people have been so supportive of our proposals.”
“We have chosen not to demolish, but to sensitively and sustainably repurpose this existing office building to provide later living accommodation, saving over 3,000 tonnes of carbon. We will protect and enhance local nature and green spaces, with a net gain in biodiversity.
“Through dynamic landscape design and public art, we will celebrate the site’s unique history and heritage, which includes part of the original Brooklands racetrack.”