(L-R) Patrick Kneafsey, Construction Director at Quantum Group, and Edwin Davies, Associate Director of Estates at RBCH, with staff from Christchurch Hospital
The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (RBCH) and local developers Quantum Group have embarked on a joint venture that will help secure NHS services on the Christchurch site and offer senior living and care opportunities for the community.
A high-quality, 80-bed care home and 35 stylish senior living apartments will be built near the front of the Christchurch Hospital site in Fairmile Road. The residential care home, Fairmile Grange, will provide specialist nursing and dementia care. It will be run separately from RBCH as a commercial venture, but will bring much-needed, high-quality care beds which are lacking locally.
The development is the enabling part of RBCH’s multi-million pound scheme to secure NHS services at Christchurch Hospital and to ensure the hospital remains a key part of the community for years to come. Many facilities for patients are being improved, including a new entrance and X-ray Department, as well as a new GP surgery, plus a pharmacy and community clinics. Bringing these on site, and removing redundant buildings and refurbishing others, will provide a new lease of life.
Work on Fairmile Grange and the 35 apartments has now started and is expected to be complete in summer 2016. Once open, the care home will create around 100 jobs, benefiting the local economy.
Richard Renaut, Chief Operating Officer at RBCH, said: “We are really excited about this joint venture and the many benefits it will bring to our patients and the people of Christchurch who have shown so much support for us over the years.
“Quantum is a local firm with proven expertise in the senior living and elderly care sectors which is extremely important to us. This venture is essential for us to protect the much-loved NHS services on site and is a key milestone in our redevelopment project. We’re looking forward to seeing the care home and apartments take shape and welcoming a new era for Christchurch Hospital.”
The 35 senior living apartments will be marketed by Quantum Group’s Platinum Skies brand. Their efficient design will enable residents to benefit from reduced running costs and each apartment has been future-proofed to enable it to adapt to the changing needs of the homeowner.
David Hines, Chief Executive of Quantum Group, said: “The design of the apartments offer an unrivalled opportunity for residents to remain independent for longer in their own homes – enjoying better, healthier, happier living.
“Not only will they be set in a beautiful conservation area but will also form part of an innovative community health hub so we expect them to be very popular.”
The one and two bedroom apartments will boast large windows, luxury kitchens, accessible bathrooms and underfloor heating. The marketing launch for the apartments will start in early 2016.
If you would like to register your interest in a Platinum Skies property, please call 01202 476960.
To find out more about the development at Christchurch Hospital, go to www.rbch.nhs.uk/christchurch
