A £13.3 million funding boost has been secured for a new 75-bed care home in Chester, aiming to meet the escalating demand for elderly care services in the region where over 20% of residents are aged 65 or above. This investment comes as construction work commences on Boundary Lane, with an estimated completion date set for late 2027.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the care home is expected to achieve a coveted EPC A rating and will feature private wet rooms in each bedroom, enhancing residents' living conditions. The funding provided by Paragon Development Finance covers the full development and fit-out of the scheme, including an initial land advance.
Cheshire West and Chester faces an increasingly ageing population, with projections indicating a continued rise over the next decade. This demographic trend underscores the critical need for additional care home capacity, prompting senior relationship director Adrian Reeves to stress the importance of modern, fit-for-purpose care homes in meeting evolving demands.
North Bay Group brings extensive experience to the project, operating 48 facilities across the UK with over 2,500 beds. The company's CEO, Richard Hoggart, highlighted the inclusion of renewable energy and solar PV in the Chester development's sustainability strategy – a model that could be replicated nationwide.
This transaction marks Paragon's initial collaboration with North Bay Group, with further projects already in discussion. Upon completion, the care home will be operated by Highgate Care, which is actively expanding its presence in areas experiencing increased demand for care services. Managing director Joanne Fogg confirmed that the Chester development aligns with the company's strategic growth in providing residential, nursing, and dementia care.