Team behind multi-million pound Whitstable care home celebrates ‘topping out’

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Aug 09, 2018

A £5.8 million Whitstable care home has marked its latest construction milestone with the help of a special guest.

The Sheriff of Canterbury, Councillor Jeanette Stockley, joined the team and representatives from developer and construction partner, Jenner Contractors, for a ‘topping out’ ceremony.

The purpose-built care home – which is expected to welcome its first residents in late 2018 – will provide full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for up to 65 older people, with facilities including its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.

Tim Parker, construction project manager for Care UK, said: “As the latest addition to a growing portfolio of residential care homes, the Whitstable site represents a major investment for Care UK and reflects our commitment to improving the provision of residential care in the town.

“I am delighted to have been a part of this milestone as we step ever-closer to opening the doors to the people of Whitstable. We are honoured that the Sheriff of Canterbury was able to celebrate the occasion with us and look forward to welcoming her back to the care home once complete.”

Nicholas Barnes, construction director at Jenner Contractors, added: “It is a pleasure working with Care UK yet again to create a welcoming and fit-for-purpose home – we could not have asked for a more cohesive approach.

“We are proud to be delivering a high-quality facility for the local community that will welcome many residents for years to come.”

Councillor Jeanette Stockley said: “It was a privilege to be a part of the tile placing ceremony, marking a milestone in the build of a fantastic facility with residents and families in mind. Whitstable will benefit greatly from this state-of-the-art building that will be a welcome addition for the community, and I’m excited to continue to follow the progress of the care home”.

The care home has officially been named ‘Harrier Lodge’– a nod to Whitstable’s renowned conservation area The Swale, which notably provides habitats for many endangered bird species, including the hen harrier and the marsh harrier.