Octopus Capital has appointed Bennett Construction to deliver two retirement living schemes in Surrey and Oxfordshire.
At Headley Court near Leatherhead, Surrey, Octopus Capital has appointed Bennett Construction as the main works contractor to deliver 100 retirement living apartments and houses on a 23-acre site at the former Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre.
The development, which is being undertaken by Octopus, Audley Group the Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), will include the development of 12 two-bedroom apartments within a redeveloped Grade II-listed historic mansion house.
Octopus Capital is in the process of appointing a second contractor to lead the refurbishment and establish the central village facilities, restoring and reimagining the historic building for modern use.
In Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, Bennett Construction has been selected as preferred contractor for the delivery of a further 100-unit new-build retirement living scheme. The development, delivered in partnership with Elysian Residences, will provide a retirement community designed to support active, independent living, while offering high-level care options as needed.
Marcus Adam, development director at Octopus Capital, said: “We are determined to tackle the UK’s chronic undersupply of specialist housing for older people by accelerating the delivery of thoughtfully designed, service-led retirement communities. At a time when planning delays and market headwinds are stalling projects across the industry, we’re proud to be pushing forward. In Bennett Construction, we have found the right partner to drive this ambition forward at pace, creating over 200 new homes and demonstrating that progress is possible even in a challenging landscape.”
Mark Keyes, director at Bennett Construction, added: “We are extremely pleased to have been chosen by Octopus Capital to lead the creation of two significant retirement living projects. Building on our solid reputation in the later living sector, Headley Court and Henley-on-Thames offer a distinct opportunity to create two more premium, luxury-focused retirement communities. We look forward to collaborating closely with all our partners to guide these landmark projects from their initial concept through to successful completion.”
