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The Abbeyfield Society celebrated the ‘topping out’ of Mayflower Court, a new 80-flat development opposite the Millbay quayside, on Wednesday 30th October. A joint project between The Abbeyfield Society, Muse Developments, Homes England, Plymouth City Council and construction partners WRW Construction, the final beam was laid by David McCollough, Abbeyfield Society CEO.
Plymouth City Council’s Commissioning Officer Helen Reid and Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, were present at the event. Mr McCullough said, “It is heartening to see great representation from our partner organisations here today. It is testament to our shared vision for Mayflower Court to not only be a fantastic space for residents to take advantage of, but also a place of tremendous potential value for the entire city. The atmosphere of the building as a place for living, not just a place to live, is already taking shape.”
Mayflower Court is part of the multi-million pound regeneration of the Millbay area. The Extra Care Scheme will offer tailor-made care packages to residents aged 55 plus, enabling them to live independently as singles and couples, with additional care available 24/7 where required. The building will also encompass five bariatric-friendly apartments and a further five are designed with wheelchair users in mind. All apartments and the common areas will be fully equipped for those affected by dementia, advancing Plymouth’s status as a dementia-friendly city.
Jon Williams, WRW Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the fantastic Millbay regeneration project in Plymouth, working in a collaborative partnership with Abbeyfield. Our understanding of our client’s aspirations, combined with our residential experience, will ensure expectations are met for both the community and prospective residents.”
With 10 apartments for sale and the remaining 70 available as rentals, the development will offer access to a wealth of state-of-the-art facilities and on-site amenities, including a rooftop dining area and gardens, a cinema, a bar, and a community café. Many of these will be shared spaces, able to be used by individuals and groups from the surrounding area as well as the residents, helping to create new friendships in a neighbourly and friendly environment.
The Abbeyfield Society, which will manage the facility, is building relationships with key local partners with a view to providing a multitude of exciting activities and projects for residents and members of the wider community to enjoy. Plymouth College of Art & Design, Plymouth School of Creative Arts and Horizons Plymouth are already in discussions with Abbeyfield about creating opportunities in art for wellbeing, conservation, fitness and volunteering.
The new development will also create a fantastic range of job opportunities. Abbeyfield Regional Director, Heather Mohammed, said: “Mayflower Court will help to address the need for an independent living facility with extra care in Plymouth. It also creates 150 full and part-time employment opportunities, and we are proud to be a living wage employer. As well as committed staff, a strong volunteer team will also be essential to support the smooth operation of the care and community elements.”
In keeping with the city’s history, Mayflower Court will also play host to the famous sculpture of gold bullion, to be displayed within the public area at the front of the building; and the stars in tribute to 20th century VIPs who arrived in the UK at Millbay Docks, which will be built into its exterior walls.
The development will open in late spring 2020, to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower.