A show apartment has opened at Meadowcroft Lodge in Guildford, offering a glimpse of what life could be like for future residents when the extra care housing development opens next spring.

People can now register their interest in becoming a tenant at the new affordable-rent development, which has been designed to help residents maintain their independence for longer with care and support on hand when needed.

Surrey County Council is working with Places for People, a social enterprise and specialist housing provider, to deliver the £23million development. On-site care and support will be provided by Apex Prime Care.

Fifty-nine apartments are available at Meadowcroft Lodge, all with their own front door, lounge, kitchen and wet room. While most apartments have one (double) bedroom, some two-bedroom units have been included as part of the build. These will allow couples to stay together even if one partner’s care needs mean they require their own room.

The development will include communal areas including a café, hair salon and landscaped gardens. Given the rising demand for care and support in Surrey, places in the fully accessible development are expected to fill up fast.

The show apartment gives prospective residents an opportunity to see what life at Meadowcroft Lodge could be like when it opens in spring 2027.

People can now register their interest in becoming a tenant. To be eligible, people should:

• Be a Surrey resident
• Usually be aged 55 or over
• Have eligible care and support needs (the council’s adult social care service can assess people’s needs to see if Meadowcroft is the right fit for them)
• Not be a homeowner

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible and would like to view the show apartment is encouraged to complete the expression of interest form on the county council’s website: Meadowcroft Lodge – expression of interest – Surrey County Council

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It’s fantastic to see Meadowcroft Lodge taking shape, and the opening of the show apartment is a really important milestone. It gives people the chance to come in, look around and get a feel for what life here could be like.

“What makes extra care housing so valuable is that it helps people maintain their independence in a home of their own, with support close at hand and every opportunity to continue living well as part of their local community.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible for Meadowcroft Lodge to register their interest and find out more about what it has to offer.”

Christine Candlish, Director of Living Plus at Places for People, said: “Meadowcroft Lodge is a great example of what can be achieved when organisations come together to make a real difference to local people. With the show apartment now open, we’re one step closer to welcoming customers to this much-needed extra care housing scheme in Surrey.

“We want people to have a home where they feel settled and comfortable, with the right support available as their needs change. Meadowcroft Lodge will offer just that, while giving customers the space to enjoy their independence and make the most of the facilities on their doorstep.”

Watch a show apartment walkthrough for the new housing here:  Meadowcroft Lodge extra care housing – show apartment walkthrough – YouTube

More information about Meadowcroft Lodge can be found on the Places for People website: Meadowcroft Lodge – Places for People

The expression of interest form can be found here: Meadowcroft Lodge – expression of interest – Surrey County Council

The lounge, furnished to show what a typical flat could look like

The fitted kitchen, with useful design features and space for white goods

The open plan lounge / diner, (furniture for illustration only)

Suggested layout for the double bedrooms

Fully accessible, ensuite wet room