Investor Octopus Capital has appointed Bennett Construction to deliver two retirement living schemes in Surrey and Oxfordshire.

At Headley Court in Surry Bennett Construction will be main works contractor to deliver 100 newly constructed apartments by transforming the historic Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre into a retirement village.

The development of the 23-acre site close to Leatherhead will also include 12 two-bedroom apartments within a redeveloped Grade II-listed historic mansion house.

Octopus Capital is in the process of appointing a second contractor to lead this refurbishment and establish the central village facilities, restoring and reimagining the historic building for modern use.

In Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, following the completion of a separate enabling works package with Morrisroe, Bennett Construction has been selected as preferred contractor for the delivery of a further 100-unit new-build retirement living scheme.

Works are due to commence in January 2026, with an anticipated 81-week construction programme. The development, delivered in partnership with Elysian Residences, will provide a retirement community designed to support active, independent living, while offering high-level care options as needed.

The Henley on Thames project

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, added: “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”.