Midhurst’s old Grange Centre site has moved another step closer to being transformed now that contracts have been exchanged.
The site is being purchased from Chichester District Council by the healthcare developer Montpelier Estates, who is now working on a planning application to develop a care home on the site. Once planning permission is secured, completion of the sale can then go ahead.
“I am delighted to announce that we have exchanged contracts for this site,” explains Councillor Tony Dignum, Cabinet Member for Growth, Place and Regeneration at Chichester District Council. “The exchange represents an important moment for the town, and demonstrates that the developer has confidence in Midhurst and is committed to transforming this site and meeting a genuine community need in the town.”
James McGarry of Montpelier Estates said: “We are delighted and excited to have this opportunity to bring a much needed, high quality care home to the area of Midhurst. As specialists in the design and development of a wide range of care facilities we look forward to working closely with the South Downs National Park Authority, local authority and local community.
“We aim to provide a new asset for the community and a design solution that enhances its urban setting and responds to the sensitivity of the site. To this end we have engaged Yiangou Architects, an award-winning practice with a reputation for creating high-quality, carefully considered and imaginative design solutions. Should the planning application be successful, the home will be operated by the Berkeley Care Group. BCG are renowned for innovation in delivering outstanding, all inclusive, safe and homely luxury care.”
Since the demolition of the old Grange centre, the site has been marketed and considered for a wide variety of uses. In 2018 following a competitive bidding process, councillors decided that a bid for a care home would be the best long term solution for the site. The care home has the potential to create more than 60 new jobs in the town.
The new accommodation is expected to bring many benefits to its residents from living in the centre of Midhurst, especially as staff and residents will only have a short walk to access key community facilities and the shops.