The Bishops Avenue location was also an attraction, as was the in-house physiotherapy, “something more and more people are looking for”.
Ms Simmons added that “the amount of communal space will be exceptional compared to the average care home. The bedrooms are larger than any we’ve built before with big windows. Every household of 20 rooms will have an outdoor terrace. We will also have four bariatric rooms [for those with weight issues].
“We would love to persuade a GP to be based on site. They can run a private practice as well but they would take our residents on as NHS.”
There have been inter-generational benefits from the pioneering nursery operating on the Nightingale House premises. Although Hammerson will not incorporate a nursery, the intention is to organise “daily inter-generational activities with local nurseries and schools. We have already started talking to Kerem.
“The garden has been designed with inter-generational in mind. We’re even putting in kids’ toilets. That’s the way we plan now.”
Half the cost of the Hammerson project is being met from reserves. Another £12 million has been raised, leaving a shortfall of £8 million.
