Mercian Developments to deliver Somerset care home

An artist’s impression of the new care home. Image, KWL Architects
Mercian Group will deliver a 68-bedroom care home development in Somerset for growing regional not-for-profit provider, Amica Care Trust.
abrdn will fund the development on behalf of a segregated client.
The 1.35-acre site is located within the Orchard Grove masterplan in the expanding town of Taunton in Somerset.
Mercian Developments identified the site’s potential for elderly care and achieved consent for a care home facility which, once built, will comprise 68 bedrooms with ensuite wetrooms.
Communal amenities will include a selection of lounge and dining spaces, flexible dayrooms for hobbies and activities, a hair salon, café, cinema/bar, sensory room, feature terraces on the first floor, and generous landscaped gardens.
The home will also have exceptional sustainability credentials, being 100% electric powered and is expected to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ accreditation.
The home will meet a much-needed demand for market-standard wetroom beds in a catchment which currently has a shortage of modern, quality provision.
Chris Towers, managing director of Mercian Developments, said: “Mercian has been working with Amica to identify and deliver a flagship scheme for the trust in the Taunton area and is delighted to have completed this acquisition in partnership with abrdn, which will be funding the scheme.
“We can’t wait to get cracking on building what will be a fabulous new home for Amica and the surrounding communities.”
Keren Wilkinson, chief executive of Amica Care Trust, adds: “We are delighted to get this beautiful state-of-the-art care facility over the line being so close to our head office and are looking forward to offering our outstanding care services to the local Taunton community and beyond once completed.
“We are acutely aware of the pressures on the local authority and health services and are excited to be able to offer these modern facilities that will be able to offer excellent services to all.
“By integrating cutting-edge technology, we aim to empower residents to maintain their independence while ensuring they remain safe, comfortable, and well cared for.”
The deal was facilities by Jordan Rundle, director of healthcare development and investment at Christie & Co, who said: “We are delighted to have worked with Mercian again on another successful turnkey care home development.
“This scheme has been thoughtfully designed to provide best-in-class accommodation for the growing elderly population in Taunton with very high energy efficiency and environmental credentials.
“Amica Care Trust is well placed to operate the scheme, having an excellent reputation in the local community and being committed to providing the best care and support through its dedicated and highly skilled team.
“We are looking forward to seeing the scheme come forward for construction and becoming a landmark development in Orchard Grove masterplan.”
Christie & Co acted for Mercian and JLL acted on behalf of abrdn.
The property was transacted at an undisclosed price.