A care home provider has completed the first phase of a complex new-build project to grow its capacity in Salisbury.

Colten Care aims to create a ‘new standard’ in quality elderly care with a next-door extension to its 18-year-old Braemar Lodge home in the city’s Stratford Road. With construction and interiors now done, the extension has welcomed its first arrivals with 38 Braemar Lodge residents moving into new rooms.

The way is now clear for a full refurbishment of Braemar Lodge, scheduled to take nine months. Once finished, the overall project will take the combined capacity of Colten Care’s provision in Salisbury to 95 bedrooms.

Resident Joan Hills said:

“I had been concerned about how it might go but now I’ve moved across to the extension, I’m delighted with how things are working out. I’m having my room all set up to my liking, with pictures being hung and so on, and getting back into my routine. The staff have been fantastic in ensuring as smooth a transition as possible. And my family, who have supported and visited frequently throughout the move, have been brilliant.”

Relatives have also praised the new accommodation.

Alison Larkham, daughter of 99-year-old Douglas Parish, said:

“The whole process has been done with the minimum disruption and stress to him. Braemar Lodge staff have always had a smile on their faces when packing and moving contents from the old to the new.”

Likewise, Shaign Hancock, son of Frances Hancock, said: “Mum was very nervous about the move, but she is coping incredibly well. What a fantastic build and it’s so thoughtfully designed.”

The extension is on the site of a former charity-run care home which had been lying vacant before it was demolished in 2020.

Groundworks began on the Colten Care project in November 2022 with construction and fit-out led by sister company Colten Developments and an array of contractors. Around 30 sub-contractor companies have been involved, employing more than 250 tradespeople. The extension is split over three floors, including a garden floor, and extends to 2,700 sq m or 29,052 sq ft.

As well as ensuite bedrooms, there are training and staff rooms and a second-floor guest suite. The main entrance and reception area are accessed from road level.

Mark Aitchison, Chief Executive of the Colten Group, which owns and operates 21 care homes in the south, all registered for nursing, said:

“With the extension now open and Braemar Lodge residents having made the short trip next door, we have successfully completed the first phase of the project. This is great to see."

“Phase Two will now involve the complete refurbishment of Braemar Lodge. Following that, we expect the combined facility to be fully open by the end of the year. It will incorporate all our expertise and knowledge gained over the last 40 years in building and operating care homes. It will set a new standard in elderly people’s care."

“This is a major investment by us, one that will ultimately create new jobs in both Salisbury and the wider region.”

Mark added that a key task during the build programme has been to minimise any disruption to Braemar Lodge.

He said: “I pay tribute to Home Manager Jackie Cash and her team for continuing to deliver the high care standards that Braemar Lodge is known for, and I thank the residents for their support and advocacy during this period."

“At the same time, we praise all involved at Colten Developments for progressing the build programme with care and consideration.”

A ‘housewarming’ party for the extension, to include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, takes place for residents, families, friends and team members later in February.

It will be held in the reception and balcony areas of the building and feature live music from Salisbury-based singer and guitarist Hamlet Peter.