New assisted living development launched in ‘designer town’ of Poundbury

McCarthy & Stone, the UK’s leading retirement homes specialist developer, as launched its latest project, a flagship assisted living scheme for the over-70s in Poundbury, the urban designer town in Dorset pioneered by Prince Charles.

Bowes Lyon Court is the work of renowned architect and urban planner, Leon Krier and architectural designer Ben Pentreath and in keeping with its setting, is looking for a new approach to the design and build of property dedicated to the needs of older people.

Taking its name from the family of the late Queen Mother, the development will only use materials sourced and manufactured in the UK. The contemporary design will incorporate cast iron and wrought iron features, giving it an “elegant industrial” character, and will have 25,000 sq ft of communal space for residents of its one- and two-bedroom apartments to enjoy.

Communal facilities include a wellbeing suite, library, restaurant, café atrium and snooker room, as well as a guest suite for visitors to use.

Clive Fenton, chief executive officer for McCarthy and Stone, says: “McCarthy & Stone is delighted to be working with the Duchy of Cornwall on this site. The scheme has provided us with an opportunity to create a unique design, suitable for this prominent location in the Poundbury development.

“The development is designed to offer homeowners the very best in independent living within a safe and secure environment. It will also provide huge benefits for the wider community and the 174 local businesses in Poundbury. In fact, we estimate that homeowners in a scheme of this size will spend roughly £6m every ten years in the local community.”

The development is part of McCarthy & Stone’s Platinum Range, so the specification is from the top of the company’s range. There is also emphasis on its eco-credentials, with energy efficient double glazing, thermal insulation and low-energy lighting and water-heating systems.

There is now a marketing suite open on site from 10.30am to 5.00pm, Tuesday to Saturday, where potential buyers can find out more about the properties available at the £21m scheme.

Fenton adds: “McCarthy & Stone is addressing the chronic under-supply of suitable properties for later life, whilst also freeing up under-occupied properties, impacting on the entire housing chain. There has been growing demand for this type of housing, and we expect it will be popular with both locals and the many people who aspire to downsize here.”

Find out more at www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk ; 0800 310 0383