A groundbreaking ceremony has officially marked the start of construction on an innovative affordable extra care housing development in Guildford, designed to help older residents live independently for longer.

Surrey County Council is partnering with Places for People, a leading social enterprise and specialist housing provider, to develop the new facility on a previously disused site in Westborough. The project, known as Meadowcroft Lodge, will provide 59 one- and two-bedroom apartments specifically for people receiving social care support from the county council. All apartments will be available at affordable rents.

Plans for the £23 million development also include a range of communal facilities, such as a café and gardens, providing residents with opportunities to socialise and engage with the local community. The project is being funded by Places for People, with a significant contribution from a £4.6 million grant from Homes England.

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Local councillors, project leaders, and members of the community gathered at the site of the old Pond Meadow school to celebrate the beginning of the project. Once completed, Meadowcroft Lodge will offer a much-needed alternative to residential care, allowing older residents to live active, independent lives with the support they need.

Surrey County Council has ambitious plans to expand this type of affordable extra care housing across the county. Meadowcroft Lodge is the first of several developments planned under the council's Right Homes, Right Support Strategy. By 2030, the strategy aims to deliver 725 extra care apartments across Surrey. Seven other sites have already been granted outline planning permission, including locations in Worcester Park, Camberley, Ottershaw, Banstead, Redhill, Egham, and Lingfield.

The Guildford development is expected to open its doors to residents in early 2027, creating new employment opportunities in the area. Under the partnership, Surrey County Council is providing the land, while Places for People will manage the housing. Upon completion, Places for People will work alongside a Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered care provider to ensure residents receive the appropriate care and support.

The building project is being overseen by developers bmor, with the assistance of development management company Trigon, and construction is being carried out by CField Construction.

During the ceremony, attendees were given a preview of the development’s plans. The state-of-the-art facility will be designed with accessibility in mind, featuring layouts that enable residents to move freely and safely within their homes. Additionally, the apartments will include assistive technology to help residents maintain their independence and well-being. Some of the communal spaces, such as the café, will also be open to the local community.