Construction of a new facility at the site of a former school is nearing completion.

Set to be known as Furzewood Lodge, the three-storey care home where Little Furze Primary School once stood in Gosforth Lane, South Oxhey, has reached its highest point with the completion of the roof.

A ceremony was held to mark the occasion yesterday (August 30), with attendees including representatives from Hertfordshire County Council, main contractor Kori Construction, and local councillors.

Cllr Kingsbury with councillors from Three Rivers District Council and Watford Rural Parish Council. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

Councillor Tony Kingsbury, who is responsible for adult care in the county, said: “This new home will enable us to provide nursing and dementia care to people with high frailty in their own community.

“This new development, along with a proposed new day service and extra care housing locally, demonstrates how we’re investing here and making sure that older people can access the support they need to remain connected within their local community, and live as independently as possible.”

Signed plaque for the topping out ceremony. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

Once completed, in Spring 2025, the multi-million-pound care home will have 75 bedrooms, direct access to garden space from each floor, communal spaces, external courtyards, and a café for residents.

The council has also highlighted the project’s sustainability credentials, with the care home set to be solely powered by electricity and have “extensive” solar panels on the roof.

Plans for 70 homes in the other part of the site were approved in July.

(Image: Hertfordshire County Council)