Lovett Care has purchased a site from property developer Aspire at Kings Hill, Kent to build a care home on the former West Malling airfield which was used in the two World Wars.

Occupying a corner location close to the village amenities, the 1.8-acre development site has full planning permission for a 78-bed home with wet rooms and communal resident facilities, set within landscaped gardens.

Michael Lucas, founder and managing director of Aspire, said: “Having identified a shortfall in high-quality care beds to serve this growing community as it matures, we are pleased to have secured the first elderly care home scheme in the garden village of Kings Hill. We are expecting 2024 to be a busy year as this site is part of a pipeline of care home developments being brought to market by Aspire LPP in locations across the South and Midlands with a demonstrated need for future-fit beds.” 

Keith Crockett, chief executive of Lovett Care, commented: “The acquisition of the site in Kings Hill represents a key milestone in the group’s growth strategy, expanding its geographical presence beyond its original base in the Northwest and Wales, to other attractive market locations. The new home will be at the heart of the growing community of Kings Hill, offering a modern, high quality elderly care environment for those no longer able to live independently.”

Healthcare real estate agent Portunus Associates acted on behalf of Aspire.

Bernard Wynne, director of Portunus Associates, said: “After Aspire LPP secured planning consent for this bespoke care home development, we are pleased to have brokered the deal with Lovett Care, who will take the proposed scheme forward with an expected opening in early 2026.”

The site was sold for an undisclosed sum.