A ceremonial topping out has marked the progress towards the completion of the first phase in the development of Charters Village in East Grinstead - the area's newest retirement village.

Representatives from owners Retirement Villagers Group Ltd and developers Kier Construction were present to help lay the final tile upon the roof of the village's 60-bed nursing and residential centre, Charters Court.

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Work began in September 2012 on the 16-acre site, and in addition to Charters Court, six chalet bungalows and 27 apartments have been built as part of phase one. The existing manor house and focal point of the site, Charters Towers, has also been extended and refurbished.

Formerly home to the internationally renowned Bush Davies Dance School, great lengths have been taken to ensure that many of the original features of the manor house will be retained and used as blueprints for other areas of the village.

When complete, Charters Village will offer more than 80 apartments, bungalows and chalet bungalows as well as the 60-bed nursing and residential centre. There will be a range of superb facilities with the entire village designed for the over 65s.

(CD/JP)