Octopus Capital has appointed Bennett Construction to build more than 200 retirement homes across two sites in the South East.
The schemes will deliver new homes in Surrey and Oxfordshire, supporting Octopus Capital’s pipeline of retirement living projects.
In Surrey, Bennett Construction will act as main works contractor at Headley Court, where 100 new apartments and houses will be delivered this quarter.
The site, near Leatherhead, is being developed with Audley Group, the Pension Insurance Corporation and Octopus Capital.
Plans include 12 two-bedroom apartments in a redeveloped Grade II-listed mansion house.
Octopus Capital is in the process of appointing a second contractor to carry out the refurbishment of the mansion and set up the central village facilities.
In Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, Bennett Construction has been named preferred contractor for a 100-unit new-build retirement scheme.
This follows enabling works by Morrisroe.
Construction is due to start in January 2026 and is expected to take 81 weeks.
The development is being delivered with Elysian Residences and will provide homes for independent living with care options.
Marcus Adam, development director at Octopus Capital, said: “We are determined to tackle the UK’s chronic undersupply of specialist housing for older people by accelerating the delivery of thoughtfully designed, service-led retirement communities.
“At a time when planning delays and market headwinds are stalling projects across the industry, we’re proud to be pushing forward.
“In Bennett Construction, we have found the right partner to drive this ambition forward at pace, creating over 200 new homes and demonstrating that progress is possible even in a challenging landscape.”
Mark Keyes, director at Bennett Construction, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been chosen by Octopus Capital to lead the creation of two significant retirement living projects.
“Building on our solid reputation in the later-living sector, Headley Court and Henley-on-Thames offer a distinct opportunity to create two more premium, luxury-focused retirement communities.
“We look forward to collaborating closely with all our partners to guide these landmark projects from their initial concept through to successful completion.”
