Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, and later living operator and developer, Inspired
Villages have marked the topping out of the final 54 apartments at Elderswell in Turvey, Bedfordshire, a
milestone in the expansion of the award-winning retirement community for over-65s.
The occasion was celebrated on site with a team photograph and hot food for workers helping to deliver
much-needed age-appropriate housing in Bedfordshire, with the new homes arranged around Elderswell’s
village centre and shared facilities.
Located in Turvey, Elderswell is an integrated retirement community designed to help older people live
independently while staying connected to a wider community. The first phase was completed in 2022 and
delivered 76 homes, alongside facilities including a gym, restaurant, café and wellness spaces for residents.
The development also includes a strong environmental focus. Modern methods of construction have been
used to help reduce waste and carbon emissions, while features such as ground source heat pumps, solar
panels, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging points and FSC timber support the scheme’s net zero carbon
ambitions. Green spaces and wildlife features, including bat roosting, bird nesting, beehives and habitats for
reptiles and hedgehogs, have also been incorporated across the site.
Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “Topping out the final apartments
at Elderswell is an important milestone for this development and for the delivery of much-needed specialist
housing in Bedfordshire. We’re proud to be working with Inspired Villages on a scheme in Turvey that will
provide high-quality homes for older people and help create a thriving, sustainable community.
“We're excited to be leading the way in meeting the requirements of those needing this type of
accommodation when housing is in such high demand. These much-needed new homes will be built to an
exceptional standard to create a thriving and sustainable community.”
Martin McGread, Project Manager at Inspired Villages, commented: “Today’s topping out ceremony has
been a great opportunity to celebrate progress and thank all the teams helping to deliver Phase 2 of
Elderswell. The positive collaboration between everyone involved in the construction and development of
the site has been fantastic to see, and it will result in much-needed additional homes for the over-65s to rent
or buy in Turvey and the surrounding area.”
Construction of the final apartments is due to complete in early 2027.
