A NEW retirement complex has been officially opened in Wickham by Winchester Mayor Angela Clear.

The Wykeham Court development, which has 32 one and two-bedroom flats, was designed to complement the local area.

Cllr Clear joined local retirees on Saturday for the opening of the complex's new show rooms.

She performed the ribbon cutting at the development on Winchester Road, while guests took a tour of the show apartments. Only one two-bedroom apartment is still available to buy.

Cllr Clear said: “It was a pleasure to mark the show complex opening at Wykeham Court and to see so many familiar faces from the community.

"Living independently and securely is incredibly important at any age, and I'm glad that developments like this one in Wickham will provide retirees with a number of options in which they can make the most of their retirement years.”

The retirement village is designed to offer homeowners the best independent living experience within a safe and secure environment.

Kim Caldwell, of regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone Southern, said: “Our aim is to help older people stay independent for longer and really make the most of their retirement.“The development has not surprisingly attracted significant interest from local purchasers looking to downsize, but also from people coming from further afield who are drawn to the idyllic retirement lifestyle on offer here in Wickham.”

Once complete, residents at Wykeham Court will be able to relax in the homeowners' communal lounge as well as taking a stroll in the development's landscaped gardens. A guest suite is on site for family and friends.

The development also benefits from 24-hour emergency call points for added peace of mind for both homeowners and their families.