Yorkshire schemes in pipeline as luxury retirement village launches

A LUXURY retirement village operator has said it is looking to develop further sites in Yorkshire after launching its latest scheme in the region.

Audley has completed its £20m development on the grounds of Clevedon House, a former school in Ben Rhydding on the outskirts of Ilkley.

The 98 unit scheme, which has created 26 jobs, is set in 23 acres and offers facilities that Audley describes as similar to a four-star hotel.

Speaking to TheBusinessDesk.com, chief executive Nick Sanderson said: “We’re always looking in Yorkshire. I’m sure we’ll do more in Yorkshire in the future.”

Mr Sanderson said Audley’s aim was to create homes for older people who want to remain independent and to capitalise on the ever increasing number of people living longer.

“Traditional housing solutions for older people do do a job,” said Mr Sanderson. “What they don’t do is offer the range of services that we provide.

“People can come to us and live very comfortably for the rest of their lives.”

Audley Clevedon has created a range of properties set around the former Victorian school building.

Clevedon House is home to the exclusive Audley Club, which has facilities including a health and well-being centre with fitness suite, swimming pool, beauty treatment rooms and hair salon.

Regular fitness and pilates classes are available as well as use of a personal trainer.

Within the Audley Club there is also a bistro bar, library, lounge area and restaurant.

However, there is 24 hour care assistance available.

Mr Sanderson said: “Many retirees face limited options when choosing to downsize. The majority are fit, active and want to maintain their existing lifestyle, but don’t want to have to move again when they need more support and as a result, many put off the decision.

“The Audley concept is designed to maximise retirement living and challenge the stereotype of a traditional old people’s home. 

“Our Clevedon development acts as a blueprint for all future Audley sites and we believe will solve the dilemma of an enjoyable retirement for many Britons of pensionable age and their families.”

Prices at the development start at £249,000 for a one bedroom apartment. Residents will purchase a home in the Ilkley development, paying an annual fee towards the upkeep of the communal facilities and membership of the Audley Club.

Audley, based in Staines, has recently completed similar developments in Tunbridge Wells and Hollins Hall in Harrogate, and also has developments in Maidstone, Matlock and Kintbury, near Newbury.

Mr Sanderson said Audley was also developing retirement villages in Leamington Spa and Berkshire.

He said he believed the company, which was acquired by Moorfield Group last year, was in a great position to take advantage of a ‘grey’ market which controled 80% of the nation’s wealth.

“Everyone’s living longer. We’re living a year extra for every five years which is staggering.”

He added that Audley was well capitalised and had access to £65m of equity following the Moorfield deal.

“This economic climate is all about survival for many and keeping to your business model and not getting blown off course.

“You need to keep looking after your customers and focusing on their needs and we’re doing that.”