In a significant development milestone, Oyster Care Homes recently celebrated the topping out ceremony of its latest project, Somer Valley House, in Midsomer Norton.

This event marked the completion of the roofing stage, paving the way for the next phases of construction. Scheduled to open in October 2024, this 66-bed care home is poised to become an integral part of the local area, incorporating cutting-edge design with a strong focus on sustainability.

Somer Valley House not only provides top-tier care but also pioneers eco-friendly living. Equipped with solar panels, a battery store capable of holding two days' energy, and ground-source heating, the home emphasises Oyster Care Homes' dedication to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

The topping out ceremony attracted prominent community figures, including Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England, who praised the project's sustainable design and its role in community care and urban development.

Siobhan Waterhouse, headteacher at Norton Hill Primary School, also highlighted the social benefits. She said: "I'm incredibly excited about the opening of Somer Valley House just across the road. This presents a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational relationships to blossom, enriching both our students' learning experiences and the wider community."

Tim Buckley, CEO of Oyster Care Homes, shared his appreciation for the community's support: "This milestone not only celebrates our construction progress but also reaffirms our dedication to the Midsomer Norton community and to setting new standards in the care home industry.

“The support from local leaders has been crucial in realising this vision and we’d like to thank Dan and Siobhan for joining us. We are committed to ensuring that Somer Valley House provides a nurturing, innovative home for our residents, positively impacting the area's social fabric and economy. Thank you to everyone involved, especially our partners at LNT."

Once operational, Somer Valley House is expected to create over 100 jobs, significantly boosting the local economy.

With the structure now visibly taking shape, George Crockford, site manager from LNT, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "LNT is delighted to partner with Oyster Care Homes on their fourth project. This partnership showcases our shared goal of delivering exceptional care environments that prioritise residents' wellbeing and comfort."

As Somer Valley House moves closer to completion, the focus remains on not only meeting but exceeding expectations for a modern, green care home, setting a benchmark for future developments in the care sector.