A STATE-OF-THE-ART residential care home, set to open in Southampton in early 2019, has marked a milestone in its construction.

The development on Mansbridge Road was officially ‘topped out’ by Douglas Webb, director of retirement living at The Abbeyfield Society, a charity that has provided housing, care and support to older people for more than 60 years.

The event to mark the placing of the last beam atop the structure was also attended by Eastleigh MP Mims Davies and Southampton Itchen MPO Royston Smith as well as Gary Walker of the Dementia Action Alliance.

The 80-bed Speedwell Court site, a specialist care development by Castleoak, is set to open in April 2019.

The development will boast facilities including a hair salon, café and an on-site pub, named The Abbeyfield Arms.

The building’s dementia specialism also means it can cater to the individual needs of the resident with detailed care plans created by working closely with both the resident and their family ensuring that their health and care needs are continually met.

Mims Davies MP said: “It is good to see so many new Dementia beds being brought to the area by a provider that has thought so carefully about the support and care it can give to those who will eventually live here.

“Once opened, I’m certain Speedwell Court will become a real hub of activity, with real care though the build process to be a great option for local families to look at and I am looking forward to seeing it benefit our entire community.”

Royston Smith MP said: “It was a pleasure to join the Abbeyfield team to see the progress made so far in the construction of Speedwell Court.

“Their new specialist dementia care home when complete will provide impressive facilities and the very best of care for local people.

“I look forward to visiting again when they are open”.