With just over six months to go until completion, the construction site of Paramount Place in Tunbridge Wells is abuzz with activity, readying the 167 apartments for new residents to begin moving in from early autumn this year.
Since work began in early 2024, the Retirement Villages Group (“RVG”) site in the heart of Tunbridge Wells has been a constant flurry of activity as the retirement community has risen up from behind the hoarding line. The RVG team and their appointed contractors, McAleer & Rushe, are now commencing a countdown to the project’s completion, expected in late summer this year, with some milestone moments on the horizon.
The first of these will see the last major section of scaffolding struck, being dismantled to reveal the new façade that will proudly face the Town Hall in Tunbridge Wells for generations to come. This key building will become the front door to Paramount Place, containing the main reception areas and access to the many public facilities that the retirement community will offer – including a hydrotherapy pool, restaurant and bookable community rooms.
The second upcoming milestone will see the removal of the huge 80m tower crane – the second and largest of the two that has been on site for more than 20 months. It is currently sited in what will soon be a new community courtyard at the centre of Paramount Place – a multi-use new space on the public right of way from Mount Pleasant Road to Clanricarde Gardens.
Since opening the marketing suite on Mount Pleasant Road in December interest has been high and apartments are already being reserved well in advance of opening – the majority of which are being made on RVG’s market-leading new tenure option.
This new way to own a property will enable residents to benefit from lower weekly management fees, offset against a deferred fee on sale. As part of the tenure, weekly fees will cease two months after the resident has given notice, removing liability on the homeowner, their family, or their estate to continue paying management fees. Under the new customer contract, RVG will also take on responsibility to refurbish and re-sell the homes, guaranteeing residents the price they initially paid for their home, less the deferred management fee, and ensuring residents complete confidence in the legacy they leave to their families.
This first-of-a-kind financial model for the private retirement living sector was launched in 2024 in response to a growing demand for more affordable, transparent and simple retirement living solutions. It is proving very popular option for Tunbridge Wells, with 75 per cent of reservations at Paramount Place taken to date being made on this basis.
Simon Dickinson, Group Sales and Marketing Director comments: “Things are getting really exciting now as we conclude the final major works and move into the finishing and internal phases. Milestones like these are a true measure of the success of the construction programme, which remains firmly on schedule with just months to go until Paramount Place becomes a thriving community in the heart of the town.”
Paramount Place is an “integrated retirement community” or “IRC” which is being delivered for Tunbridge Wells to offer retirees an active and enriched retirement in the centre of the vibrant town. The development forms part of RVG’s Thrive Living collection, the concept of which is about encouraging connection and inter-generational activity with ample opportunity to remain connected and sociable in later life.
Paramount Place’s onsite management team will focus on supporting wellbeing and shared experiences, with a calendar of events promoting health, learning and social connection. Residents will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with easy access to additional care services and support if needed, alongside the freedom to live an active, independent lifestyle.
Simon Dickinson continues: “The response to Paramount Place since launching sales has been incredibly encouraging. People in later life are looking for more than simply downsizing. They want to stay connected, active and confident about the future, knowing that care and support are there should they be needed – now or in the future.
“In the UK, integrated retirement communities are still relatively new. In countries like New Zealand, they are already a mainstream and popular choice. We’re confident that shift is coming here too.
“Paramount Place offers something different – a modern, town-centre community where people can continue to live life on their terms, with reassurance built in. It’s about positive choice, not compromise.”
For more information, regular updates, or to register your interest, visit Paramountplace.co.uk
Redwood has been proud to work with Retirement Villages Group for several years, providing political stakeholder consultancy both before and since planning, alongside construction and community communications.
