Stepnell has completed construction of a new £12m care home in the West Midlands. 

The state-of-the-art project, in Eastcote, Solihull, was completed in just over 18 months on behalf of care home provider, Cinnamon Care Collection.

When it opens next month, the care and retirement living development, named Eastcote Park, will provide residential and respite care, as well as a dedicated community for those living with dementia.

Meeting the challenge

The two-storey build features a 50-bedroom care home and two additional apartment blocks that house 34 two-bedroom retirement apartments, with personal and private lift access for first-floor residents.

The former garden centre, and once brownfield site, has been transformed with landscaped gardens, as well as communal facilities including a restaurant, bar, fitness suite, cinema room, hair and beauty salon, and multiple lounges.

Adrian Barnes, regional director at Stepnell, said: “As a former brownfield site, the land provided several practical challenges for us, such as surface water issues, as it is surrounded by countryside. 

“We also had the added pressure of lockdown for a large chunk of the build, requiring us to adhere to government guidelines to ensure that we could stay on site to deliver the project on time and on budget.” 

Playing with the senses

Albert Josephs, head of development at Cinnamon Care Collection, adds: “Every detail within the care home and the retirement village has been carefully planned to the highest standards, using the finest-quality furnishings and fittings throughout.”

Designed by architects, Harris Irwin, there are dedicated areas for sensory, reminiscence and visual stimulation to help support those living with dementia.

Ian Holme, director, said: “Working closely with both Cinnamon and Stepnell, this outstanding development is the result of a fantastic team effort by all concerned, delivering the highest quality of accommodation and care environment for its residents.”