Confusion has been raised over a new retirement home in Shinfield that has been built but left vacant for more than two years.
Confusion surrounds a new retirement home in Shinfield that has been vacant for over two years.
The Chapters retirement home on Beke Avenue, completed by the Anchor company, offers 80 one and two-bedroom apartments for those aged 55 and over.
A press release celebrating its completion was published on August 2, 2021, yet the care home remains unoccupied.
Retired resident Mrs Boswell shared that her friend had considered moving in and even attended a viewing. However, all advertising for the apartments has now been removed.
This issue was highlighted by Mrs Boswell during a discussion with the Local Democracy Reporting Service and at a recent Wokingham Borough Council meeting.
Councillor Andrew Gray (Labour, Shinfield) expressed concern, stating, “It seems a waste of a new building like this to be empty. Has the council considered using it for supported living?”
In response, Cllr David Hare (Liberal Democrats, Hawkedon), who oversees adult services, health, and wellbeing, mentioned that it would be too costly for the council to take over The Chapters. He stated, “I’m sorry that this site has been unused for so long, but we’ve looked at it previously and haven’t found a strong business case.”
A spokesperson for Anchor confirmed that the care home is up for sale, explaining, “In 2023, we updated our development strategy to focus on affordable and social rent tenures, moving away from new market sale products.”
The spokesperson added, “Although The Chapters is a quality development, it no longer fits our revised priorities for new build homes. We are actively marketing the property.”
Anchor is collaborating with Knight Frank and Devonshires to sell the property, aiming to increase housing options for older people in the local area.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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