NI construction firm, Farrans, has been appointed to build a £45 million retirement community in Sonning Common, South Oxfordshire.

The company that was appointed by Inspired Villages will begin the first phase of works which will include the construction of 73 bespoke homes for over 65s and a wellness suite within the village centre.

Once delivered, the Sonning Common scheme will provide 133 age-appropriate, sustainable homes for around 150 over 65s, as well as impressive facilities including a restaurant, café, hairdressers, library and craft rooms and a wellness centre comprising a swimming pool, steam room, treatment rooms and a gym with a fitness studio.

Some of the facilities such as the gym, pool, restaurant and café will be open to the public.

The development will provide further benefit to the local area and economy by creating over 100 construction jobs, and in excess of 40 operational jobs once complete.

Glenn Gilmore, Regional Director for Farrans Construction, said: "Sonning Common is an exciting development in the heart of an area which is experiencing significant demand for retired living accommodation, and we are looking forward to working with Inspired Villages to deliver their vision. The design has brought in elements which will encourage a true community spirit, with opportunities to socialise, relax and keep active. We have an extensive later living portfolio in the UK and we understand how important it is to consider and deliver for the end users who will call this home. We will be engaging with the local community throughout our work on site and we look forward to leaving a positive lasting legacy in the area."

-- Advertisement --

Neal Dale, Chief Property and Development Officer at Inspired Villages, stated: "We are really pleased to be progressing work at our Widmore Park village in Sonning Common with the appointment of Farrans for the first phase of construction. Having recently opened our ninth village and the UK’s first Net Zero Retirement Community (regulated energy), Millfield Green in Bedfordshire, we are excited that Widmore Park will follow in the footsteps of this trailblazing village with its sustainability credentials centred around ground source heat pump technology. All of the buildings will accommodate solar panels and will be designed with excellent insulation and ventilation. We’re also enabling electric car charging points; a crucial part of delivering cleaner transport across the country. We are leading the IRC sector’s approach to sustainability and social impact.

"By creating vibrant, sustainable communities carefully designed for the needs of over 65’s and focused on promoting a connected and active lifestyle, we know our villages improve the holistic wellbeing of residents and have positive impact to the wider community also. Sonning Common is an important step in our portfolio expansion, allowing us to support the shortfall in specialist later living housing in the South Oxfordshire area."