Our proposals at a glance
Our plans for a new, vibrant retirement community, providing choice for older people in the local area, have developed further following on from our initial consultation and now comprise:
- 66 Retirement Living Plus (Extra Care) apartments set across one building of two and three storeys at the heart of the development
- 32 age-exclusive Extra Care single storey open plan bungalows and two-storey chalets
- 9 two-storey open market houses, which are to be brought forward by the existing landowner
- A palette of traditional materials used in a contemporary manner, including contrasting brickwork, as well as plain clay and slate-effect roof tiles, to respond to the local architecture in the area
- Parking for 100 cars throughout the development, including visitors’ spaces, as well as disabled and electric car charging spaces
- Retention of the two existing vehicle access points onto Station Terrace and Grenville Road
- Pedestrian access throughout the development and onto both Station Terrace and Grenville Road, increasing pedestrian connectivity between Leigh Road and the River Stour
- Beautifully landscaped outside spaces to encourage social interaction, as well as the retention and enhancement of the majority of trees along the boundaries of the site, creating a pleasant residential environment
- Tailored communal facilities, including allotments, a coffee shop, shared lounge, bistro, a wellbeing and fitness hub as well as a large village green, which will help to reduce social isolation and loneliness
- 24 hour on-site flexible care and support
Evolution of the plans
McCarthy & Stone’s vision for the Wimborne Market site continues to evolve following feedback received from local residents, stakeholders and Officers. Since the initial consultation, there have been further changes to the plans, including:
- The provision of nine three-bedroom homes for open market sale, to be brought forward by the landowner
- Stepping back the roof and staggering the façade of the western elevation on the apartment building to create visual interest and a revised roof line following feedback from the Officer
- Further lowering back the ends of the Western elevation of the apartment building to vary the building form and reduce scale
- Amending the design of six single-storey bungalows to two-storey chalets, to create a gradual stepped height from the apartment building to the bungalows, in response to feedback from Officers
- Increased the size of the proposed village green by reconfiguring the bungalows proposed in this location
- The provision of pedestrian access through from Grenville Road to Station Terrace, increasing connectivity
We have carefully considered our design for the site, to breathe life to this unsightly, under-utilised site and our proposals present a valuable opportunity to bring forward a unique, flagship continuing care retirement community in this part of Wimborne, that provides genuine choice for older people so that they can continue to live locally in a home that meets their needs and aspirations in their later years.