Westbury Fields Retirement Village

Retirement Village / Cricket Ground

Development: Completed 2004 Location: Bristol Client: St Monica Trust

Westbury Fields Retirement Village was developed on land previously used by Bishopston Cricket club established and using the site since 1935, however the pitch and clubhouse were largely derelict after being subject to continued vandalism.

St Monica Trust’s vision was to create the first care village for all, with a mix of ownership including Purchase, shared equity, and rental. In 2001 we were appointed to help bring about this vision and started working on designs for the village.

As part of SMT’s commitment to the local and wider community, the Cricket Pitch and Pavilion were to be incorporated into the design and rebuilt to meet the high standards of Sport England. Uniquely the village and its varying types of accommodation were built around the pitch complimented with a variety of complimentary outdoor activities such as croquet and bowls.

The village was designed providing a range of properties allowing residents to enjoy independent living through to receiving nursing care with John Wills House Care Home. The Cricketers Arms is one of two restaurants on the site which the residents can use and many communal facilities can be found in Somerville House, home to 50 apartments constructed as part of Bristol city councils Very sheltered Housing initiative of 2003.

The Village was included in two government White Papers and has more recently been visited by the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock who praised the St Monica Trust’s innovative approach to care during a visit to Westbury Fields Retirement Village.

Matt Hancock said: "Westbury Fields is a fantastic example of integrated, high-quality social care in action. I loved the feel of the place and the time I spent with residents and staff has given me food for thought as we prepare to launch our social care green paper later this year."