Final Phase of Elderswell Retirement Community Reaches Topping Out in Turvey
Elderswell Village - Photo by Fabio De Paola
Vistry, the UK’s foremost provider of mixed-tenure housing, alongside Inspired Villages, a specialist in later living development and operation, have celebrated the topping out of the last 54 apartments at Elderswell in Turvey, Bedfordshire. This marks a significant step in expanding the award-winning retirement community designed for residents aged over 65.
The milestone was commemorated on site with a group photograph and a meal for the construction team responsible for delivering these essential age-appropriate homes. The new apartments are situated around Elderswell’s village centre, which includes shared facilities aimed at fostering community engagement.
Situated in Turvey, Elderswell is a purpose-built retirement community intended to support independent living while maintaining strong social connections. The initial phase, completed in 2022, comprised 76 homes and incorporated amenities such as a gym, restaurant, café, and wellness areas for residents.
The development prioritises environmental sustainability through the use of modern construction methods that reduce waste and carbon emissions. Features like ground source heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging stations, and FSC-certified timber underpin the project’s net zero carbon goals. Additionally, the site integrates green spaces and wildlife habitats, including bat roosts, bird nesting sites, beehives, and shelters for reptiles and hedgehogs.
Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “Topping out the final apartments at Elderswell is an important milestone for this development and for the delivery of much-needed specialist housing in Bedfordshire. We’re proud to be working with Inspired Villages on a scheme in Turvey that will provide high-quality homes for older people and help create a thriving, sustainable community.
“We’re excited to be leading the way in meeting the requirements of those needing this type of accommodation when housing is in such high demand. These much-needed new homes will be built to an exceptional standard to create a thriving and sustainable community.”
Martin McGread, Project Manager at Inspired Villages, added: “Today’s topping out ceremony has been a great opportunity to celebrate progress and thank all the teams helping to deliver Phase 2 of Elderswell. The positive collaboration between everyone involved in the construction and development of the site has been fantastic to see, and it will result in much-needed additional homes for the over-65s to rent or buy in Turvey and the surrounding area.”
Construction on the final apartments is scheduled for completion in early 2027.
