A breaking ground ceremony has heralded the start of construction work on a new retirement development in Leatherhead.
Christ Church Apartments – which consists of three buildings totalling 62 self-contained apartments for people over 65 – is being developed by Birchgrove on the former Christ Church URC site on Epsom Road in the town.
As well as representatives from Birchgrove and main contractor Kori Construction, Christ Church URC parishioners also attended the ceremony to find out more about the building replacing their former place of worship.
Alison, who used to attend the church, said everyone connected with it had fond memories from the various family events, christenings, and weddings that took place there.
“Our lives have really been woven around this place and I think it has got treasured memories for everybody for different reasons,” she said.
Birchgrove – the UK’s leading provider of rented retirement homes – chose the site due its outstanding location, convenience for local shops and amenities, and its attractive surroundings which are perfect for walking and relaxing.
All apartments are specifically designed for people in later life and include exclusive onsite amenities such as a restaurant, licensed bar, club room, fitness suite, library, landscaped gardens, new bowling green and much more.
Residents will also benefit from a regular events and activities programme that will contribute to creating a friendly community lifestyle, and for added peace of mind there will be a concierge and 24-hour staff presence.
More than 30 new trees and hedgerows are to be planted on the site to screen the apartments from neighbouring properties, ensuring privacy levels around the development are high.
Honor Barratt, Managing Director at Birchgrove, said: “We are excited to be working with Kori Construction to build our next retirement community in Leatherhead.
“Christ Church Apartments will encapsulate all the benefits of the Birchgrove offering; beautiful, purpose-built apartments, a flexible rental model, publicly accessible communal spaces and a development the continues to remain at the heart of the local community.”
Northamptonshire-based Kori Construction was appointed as main contractor for the £23m development due to its expertise in the care and later living sector.
Managing Director Jordan Connachie, said: “Breaking ground is always an exciting time with any new development and Christ Church Apartments is certainly no exception.
“The development will provide much needed, high-quality retirement accommodation in an attractive and convenient location, that will enable people over 65 to lead independent lives, yet have easy access to support when they need it.
“We’re always proud to partner with businesses like Birchgrove that create developments that make a huge difference to people’s lives.
“Christ Church Apartments fits into that category and we’re looking forward to delivering a fantastic project for our client.”
Birchgrove offers its retirement property solely for rent. There are no stamp duty costs, legal conveyancing fees or stress associated with purchasing a property, which distinguishes its business model from many alternative ‘housing with care’ models.
Work on Christ Church Apartments is expected to be completed by February 2025.
