Continuing Rockdale's traditions into the future

Our “big project” is to build a brand new residential care home to take over from the existing Victorian building, which is reaching the end of its useful life in its current form.

As part of the project, we are also developing two new schemes of leasehold apartments for sale on the main site. The first of these, Summerbank, consists of ten new apartments. The second comprises the conversion of the old building into apartments and will be called Laurie House. The sale proceeds of these two schemes provide a vital contribution towards funding the new residential care home. 

The new building will accommodate 48 residents, 17 more than the existing building. These residents will notice many benefits when they finally move into their new home.

All of the new bedrooms will be well proportioned, exceeding modern standards for living space, plus en suite facilities. The design meets modern accessibility standards, so wheelchairs and hoists can be moved with ease around the fixed furniture.  The windows will be large and the sills not too high, so that residents can see into the gardens when they are seated.

The common areas will be spacious and comfortable, and easily accessible along no-step floor areas. Two lifts will be provided between floors, for convenience and safety. Careful thought has been given to the design of the kitchen area, as the preparation and enjoyment of fresh food will remain an important part of life at Rockdale. A large adjoining dining room will allow all residents to enjoy each other’s company at mealtimes.

In mild weather, residents will be able to enjoy the fresh air on a pleasant secluded patio area which gives onto the surrounding gardens. For other times, several smaller lounges will be available on different floors.

For the less mobile, there will be assisted bathrooms on each floor, where the most up-to-date bathroom furniture will allow residents to enjoy a warm, relaxing bath in safe surroundings.

The energy efficiency of the building will not only help us to keep running costs down, which helps to make Rockdale affordable, it will also provide a more comfortable environment for residents in terms of enhanced heating, ventilation and soundproofing.

None of this will mean that Rockdale House will lose any of its charm and personal touch. Residents will continue to be encouraged to bring their own familiar items of furniture and furnishings, to create a homely feel. Residents’ rooms will have front doors and knockers. Common areas will be designed to incorporate character through non-uniformity, and care will be taken to vary furniture and décor. Rockdale will remain above all a place of friendship, good humour and warmth.