'More like a hotel than a care home': Newport’s new retirement complex prepares to welcome first residents

The first phase of a new £20m retirement complex in Shropshire is nearing completion.

When complete, Sundew Court in Newport will feature a restaurant, licensed bar, library, hairdressing salon, a multi-function room and an on-site care team.

Construction began on the development, which includes 61 apartments and 16 bungalows, in autumn 2024. Two years later, contractor McPhillips is preparing to hand over the first phase to care provider Untold Living.

This initial handover covers around 40 apartments, all communal facilities and the development’s offices. Untold Living will take possession this month, with the first residents expected to move in later in the autumn. Newly released computer-generated images show what the finished facilities could look like.

General manager Adrian Pickard, a former hotel and spa director, said the project is entering an exciting stage as the site prepares to welcome its first residents.

He said: “It has been fantastic to see the progress being made on the site, and we’re excited about getting closer to the day when we can welcome our first residents to Sundew Court.

“The upcoming milestone is significant not just for us, but more importantly for our new residents who will be coming to enjoy a new and exciting chapter with us.”

Mr Pickard said residents at another Untold development in Wiltshire have said the site feels “more like a hotel than a care home”.

“This is not a care home and certainly does not feel like one,” he said.

“We offer our residents the chance to move out of a home that may be becoming a burden for them, to a friendly and supportive environment where the lion's share of daily chores are taken care of by a professional team so they can focus on a new social life and enjoying themselves.”

Chris Walker, projects director for McPhillips, said: “Reaching this milestone is a genuinely proud moment for everyone at McPhillips who has worked on Sundew Court.

“From the outset we could see what this development would mean for Newport and its older generation, and seeing that vision now become reality - with the quality of the apartments, bungalows and communal facilities all speaking for themselves - is tremendously satisfying.

“As a local business ourselves, there's real pride in having helped deliver something that addresses a genuine need in the community, and we're looking forward to handing over phase one to Untold Living and completing the remaining phases."