Developer sought for flagship assisted living scheme
Partner needed for revamp of famous King Edward VII Estate in West Sussex
A specialist care centre developer is being sought to build a flagship assisted living housing scheme in the grounds of the famous King Edward VII Estate in West Sussex.
Colliers International has been appointed by property company, City & Country, to secure a partner to develop and operate the facility, the plans for which were given the thumbs-up in November last year.
The development will include the complete restoration of the former hospital designed by Charles Holden and Percy Adams which was opened by King Edward VII in 1903; the Grade II chapel; and the landscaped gardens, which were designed by acclaimed British horticulturist, Gertrude Jekyll.
The main aim is to secure a partner for our clients who will apply the same emphasis on design and traditional craftsmanship and deliver a flagship assisted living community, seamlessly incorporated into the residential development at the heart of the estate
Sensitive conversion works to the listed buildings and new-build homes within the grounds will create a mixture of 21 two-bedroom cottages, one three-bedroom apartment, and 57 two-bedroom apartments, private and secure gardens and underground parking. Additional amenities will include a shop and café.
The site has been empty for the past seven years and it is hoped the £180m scheme will secure the future of the historically-important estate, which spans 165 acres.
Jeremy Tasker, head of healthcare at Colliers International, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed on such a historic and prestigious project. There is a dearth of specifically-designed assisted living sites available, particularly of this quality and this is a truly unique opportunity.”
On the drive to find a partner for the scheme, he added: “We are discussing the proposed site with a number of key specialist care developers. The design can be flexible to allow developers and operators to incorporate their own specific requirements and we are offering the site for sale on a subject-to-planning basis. We will also discuss joint venture and lease options. The main aim is to secure a partner for our clients who will apply the same emphasis on design and traditional craftsmanship and deliver a flagship assisted living community, seamlessly incorporated into the residential development at the heart of the estate.”