Saffron Walden mayor attends ‘topping out’ ceremony at multi-million-pound new care home

Saffron Walden’s newest care home, set to open in spring 2026, has marked its latest construction milestone. 

The Care UK team and representatives from construction partner Kori were joined by the Mayor of Saffron Walden, Councillor Deryk Eke, for a special ‘topping out’ ceremony at Bailey Lodge, on Radwinter Road. 

After making his way up to the roof of Bailey Lodge, Councillor Deryk Eke laid the last tile in a traditional ceremony to mark the external build as officially complete. He was then given a special tour of the home and spoke with the team about plans for the internal design and the future of Bailey Lodge.

The purpose-built care home – which is expected to welcome the first residents in spring 2026 – will provide full-time residential and specialist dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, for up to 70 older people, with facilities including its own cinema, hair and beauty salon, a pub and café.

Marcus Sorrell, Development Project Manager at Care UK, said: “We’re delighted to be adding to our ever-expanding portfolio of residential care homes. Bailey Lodge is our seventh home in Essex and follows the success of Mountfitchet House which opened in Stansted in 2014, highlighting our commitment to enhancing the standards of care in the region.

“We can’t wait to give members of the community the grand tour once the home’s interior is complete!”

Jordan Connachie, Managing Director at Kori, added: “We are delighted to celebrate this exciting milestone on our third project for repeat client Care UK. 

“Topping out marks the completion of a significant stage in the build and brings us one step closer to delivering a high-quality care facility for the local community – something we are truly passionate about at Kori. 

“Our next focus will be the handover of the Marketing Suite in November, which will provide the perfect opportunity to showcase this exceptional facility.” 

After placing the final tile on the roof of Care UK’s Bailey Lodge, The Mayor, Cllr Deryk Eke said: “It’s been quite an experience participating in the digging of the foundations and performing the topping out ceremony on Bailey Lodge, and all within the space of 12 months. Seeing a project delivered on time and to this high standard is a real achievement, so congratulations to the Care UK and Kori. I very much hope I shall be invited back to welcome the first residents to this great new facility later in the year.”

Designed to allow residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Care UK’s Bailey Lodge will incorporate plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.