Net Zero Carbon Retirement Village Has Broken Ground in Hampshire

Construction has begun on the first net zero carbon (NZC) regulated energy retirement villages in the UK this year; Inspired Villages developments Ampfield Meadows in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire and Millfield Green in Caddington, Bedfordshire.

To commemorate the start of works on-site in Chandler’s Ford in July 2021, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Noakes joined the Inspired Villages team and several members of the local and Parish Council, including Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Mark Cooper, for a ground breaking ceremony.

Rolton Group have been appointed by Inspired Villages directly to provide public utility supplies, mechanical and electrical engineering and NZC consultancy support for this state-of-the-art scheme, as well as having already provided a site wide masterplan-level strategic energy strategy.

When complete, Ampfield Meadows will comprise 149 luxury residential apartments in blocks of two to three storeys, situated around a vibrant village core designed to promote resident wellbeing, helping the community live healthy, independent lives for longer. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, the 10.3-acre village will offer its residents a variety of ways to relax and socialise, with the village core boasting a range of impressive facilities including a library, laundry facilities, a shop, hair and beauty salon, restaurants and a wellness spa and gym equipped with a swimming pool and steam rooms – all of which will be open to both residents and the wider local community.

Upon Rolton Group’s recommendation, ground source heat pumps will be utilised at Ampfield Meadows, estimated to make the buildings 200% more efficient in terms of energy usage, reducing the development’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, high efficacy LED lighting and controls will be used throughout the development to deliver optimal lighting solutions whilst minimising energy use. The site will also be delivered with car parking including electric vehicle charging points at the village core and distributed around the village for residents, staff and visitors to use.

With an increasing local demand for senior living accommodation, Ampfield Meadows will address community needs in a sustainable way. Developments such as Ampfield Meadows can help alleviate pressures on local health and social care services, with recent research by Homes for Later Living suggesting that each individual living in age specialist accommodation has a reduced risk of health challenges, contributing to fiscal savings for the NHS of around £3,500 per year. With 12,750 residents estimated in the next five to ten years, Inspired Village’s senior living villages could save the NHS over £44.6million per annum.

With works now well underway, the development will become an excellent amenity for the local community whilst creating 110 construction jobs per annum over the next four years and 35+ permanent jobs once complete, further boosting the local economy.

Homes For Later Living | Promoting Retirement Living Options