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Construction Starts on Retirement Community



Stepnell has started work at Lifestory Group’s new £9.7 million independent living community for over 60s in Woodburn Green.

The project has commenced in two stages, with enabling and demolition works previously carried out by Stepnell’s southern team in November 2021, following a successful two-stage tender process.

The building, which is four storeys high, is set to complete in August 2022 and will be home to 44 high-specification apartments as well as a communal lounge to encourage socialisation amongst customers. There will also be external landscaping and a 37-space car park.

Rob Speirs, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be supporting Lifestory to expand its offering across the region. This is our second project with the client after successfully completing Moor’s Nook in Woking, so it’s great to see that we’ve managed to secure yet another development with the business by providing a high-quality service.

“At Stepnell, we have a wealth of experience when it comes to residential builds and the team are experts in overcoming any problems faced to ensure each project is created on budget and on time.

“Logistically, Wooburn Green will present some challenges as there is limited access to the site and it is surrounded closely by neighbouring homes, so we will be taking a lot of time to put together a seamless workflow plan to prevent disruption. This will include carefully considered crane and material delivery times, as well as engaging with the local community to keep them updated on work progress through regular newsletter distribution.”

Sallyanne George, Lifestory Group’s Development Manager for this project, said: “Having worked with Stepnell successfully before, it’s great that the team is now involved in helping create our latest scheme in Wooburn Green. Stepnell’s appointment as our main contractor reflects the quality and competitive nature of its approach to building this development.

“The team has already made real progress on-site and our existing working relationship will only make seeing the creation and completion of this development that bit easier, whatever challenges come up on the journey.”

As well as bringing economic benefits, the development will help the community to reduce its carbon footprint following Stepnell’s installation of ground source heat pumps and non-conventional gas boilers, which will provide customers with access to sustainably sourced utilities.

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