The final stage of development work at Church Farm Care’s Rusticus site in Cotgrave, Nottingham, has now started on site.
The announcement comes as full planning has also been granted for the Skylarks site in West Bridgford - bringing Church Farm Care’s vision of a revolutionary new model of dementia care one step closer to reality.
The work at Rusticus, designed by Leonard Design Architects, will include alterations to the internal layout of the existing building to increase visibility and provide greater flexibility of spaces to promote independence, comfort, and a better quality of life for residents.
It marks the fifth and final phase of the development, following previous upgrades to the site including the reception and staff facilities, as well as the addition of balconies to the resident accommodation.
This phase sees the addition of Hickling Lodge, a state-of-the-art 30-bedroom standalone building with new day lounges, kitchen and laundry.
Once complete, all bedrooms will be furnished and equipped to the highest standard, with full disabled access. There will also be the addition of three detached two-bed assisted-living pods, which will have 24-hour access to nurses and carers, as well as further parking and landscaping - including a walk-through aviary.
And the work will see the development of Socius, a social hub, which will include a cafe, hairdressing salon and cinema for both residents and the local community to access, with completion due in September next year.
In addition to the work at Rusticus, a purchase of land and full planning permission has finally been achieved at the Skylarks home in West Bridgford.
Our ethos is a model of care centred on creating ‘families’ of residents that live together based on their interests, life experiences, and personalities
The extension to the site will add much-needed facilities both for residents and the local community.
In 2019, over 45 letters and emails were received by Rushcliffe Borough Council in support of the extension, particularly focusing on its hydrotherapy pool, which will not only be an invaluable feature for residents, but also a resource for local schools and community groups.
Patrick Atkinson, owner of Church Farm Care, said: “It’s been an extraordinary and challenging year so far for us – as it has been for care homes up and down the country – but we’re really thrilled to have shovels in the ground for the expansion of our Rusticus home, and plans now in place to develop Skylarks even further.
“Our ethos is a model of care centred on creating ‘families’ of residents that live together based on their interests, life experiences, and personalities.
“Our extension plans are not just about creating more-comfortable and accessible environments, but about helping to integrate family members into the community through features that bring the public into the centre – when they are again allowed to do so.
“The work at Rusticus, for instance, includes additions to the current onsite salon and cinema, with a new café that will be open to the public as well as a walk-through aviary with a snaking path for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.”
