Farrans Construction awarded the build contract for a new £50 million development that will see the realisation of an older persons’ village in Flitwick

The extensive development will be built on the site of the former leisure centre in Flitwick and will include a 72-bed care home, 8-bed short stay unit and 88 independent living apartments for the over 55s. 

Designed by architects, Oliver and Robb, the building will be constructed to the highest sustainable standards using Passivhaus criteria to deliver a super energy efficient building. Work on the site is due to start in February 2022 with the care home and independent living apartments due to complete in Autumn 2023.  

The core building is designed to meet dementia-friendly guidelines and the best of energy performance standards, known as Passivhaus, to deliver the healthiest of environments and help reduce the Council’s energy demands in the future. 

Julie Ogley, Director of Adult Social Care, Health and Housing added: “After a robust tender process Farrans were awarded the contract based on best value, quality and their strong track record and expertise in delivering construction projects of this nature on time and to budget.” 

Cllr David Shelvey, Executive Member for Corporate Resources said: “Our housing stock needs to work for everybody, and this older person’s village is a huge step forward in delivering our ambition to deliver variety in housing choice. I am looking forward to the moment when the development is opened”. 

“We know there is strong demand for healthy and safe later life living with people looking to live in supportive communities with good access to community facilities.” 

“This new community offers significant health benefits and more manageable social care costs. More than this, these vibrant communities will help people to remain independent for longer and enjoy their later years to the full.”

Cathal Montague, Regional Director at Farrans, said: “We are looking forward to beginning work on site in early 2022 and continuing to build on our strong relationship with Central Bedfordshire Council, as they progress with the agenda to deliver future-proof, high quality residential facilities for older people. We have recently started construction on Marigold House in Leighton Buzzard and we are approaching completion on Hendon Hall for Signature Living. Our team will be bringing our expertise and knowledge of the senior living sector to Steppingley Road older persons’ village, meeting dementia-friendly guidelines and incorporating the highest standards of sustainability to achieve Passivhaus accreditation.”