A new purpose-built care home and reablement service development in Cadbury Heath, Bristol is one step closer to completion after contractor Stepnell hosted a topping out ceremony this week on Wednesday 24 April.

Construction company Stepnell - which opened its Bristol office in October last year - was awarded the £8.5 million scheme by care specialists Brackley Investments and started on site in April 2018. 

The topping out ceremony, which traditionally signifies the structure has reached its maximum height, was attended by representatives from Stepnell, Bristol based charity Brunelcare and Cadbury Heath Healthcare. 

James Harris, Stepnell project manager, said: "We are really excited to reach this significant milestone in the delivery of this much-needed care scheme, providing high-standard care facilities to support the specialist needs of elderly people inthe South Gloucestershire community. 

"Health and Care is one of the key sectors for Stepnell and we have a long history of successfully delivering a number of professional care projects across the country. Our team of specialists bring a unique perspective to the pre-construction process to ensure that each development is completed to the highest standard, with key details in mind to meet the resident’s needs. We’re really looking forward to seeing the end result once the development is fully completed."


Located at Earlstone Crescent, the 64-bed care home - named Little Heath Care Home and Reablement Centre - will also have a 24-bedroom rehabilitation facility, which will offer separate accommodation and post-hospital support for people in need of temporary step-down care before returning home. 

The fully accessible rehabilitation facility will include a gym, shared lounge and dining facilities, as well as a kitchen to help residents regain confidence and independence. 

Due to be completed in early 2020, the two and three storey development will be operated by Bristol housing and care provider Brunelcare and will replace the former Heath Resources Centre and the former South Gloucestershire Council Newton House Care Home on the site.

Kevin Fairman, CEO for Brunelcare, said: "It is exciting to see the development reach this milestone. Opening Little Heath means Brunelcare will be able to increase the number of care home places it currently provides, along with expanding our already very successful reablement service, supporting people returning home from hospital. This development will also provide over 100 new jobs, for both our existing employees and new recruits, in order to run this new service."

The new centre, designed by Roberts Limbrick Architects, has been built to provide the best practice in care, giving residents a secure and safe environment that can support specific individual care needs, including people living with dementia. 

The development features separate garden spaces, including fruit and vegetable beds, sensory spaces with tactile, scented and intelligent planting schemes which residents can use and enjoy, as well as photovoltaic solar panels on the roof. Shared community amenities, including communal lounges, a hair and beauty salon, function room and shop also feature as part of the facility.