Bank funds £1m care home extension

A STOCKPORT care home has completed a £1m extension which has added on eight new en-suite bedrooms.

Southfield House, which is owned by Joanna & Niel Lingwood, has been extended to a capacity of 23 bedrooms after receiving a loan from Royal Bank of Scotland.

Seven of the new rooms provide ‘assisted living’ accommodation and a new kitchen, dining facilities and a residents’ lounge have also been created. The work was completed in four months.    

Southfield House was set up in 1985 and bought by its present owners 11 years ago. Situated in Woodford, the home is a detached three storey property set in its own acre of grounds. It was converted into a purpose-built care home in 1992. However, it had operated at 100% capacity for years and potential residents have had to register their details on a waiting list. 

The home currently employs 18 people, but the Lingwoods expect this to increase to 24 once the extension is fully occupied.

Owner Niel Lingwood said: “We have operated at full capacity for several years and it has been frustrating having to turn people away.  

“The last extension took place almost 20 years ago so this latest development is overdue.”

RBS Relationship Manager, Stuart Davies, said: “Southfield House has an excellent local reputation due to the quality of care provided by Joanna and her staff. There is a growing need for good care facilities in the Woodford area and this extension will help meet the demand.”