Lovat Fields Retirement Village Remodelling

YMD Boon was appointed by Gleeds on behalf of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust to review, remodel and refresh the existing communal facilities at Lovat Fields Retirement Village, ensuring the long-term viability and continued attractiveness of the village.

Located in Milton Keynes, the retirement village provides independent living for more than 300 residents. The development is delivered through a partnership between Milton Keynes Council, Midland Heart and ExtraCare Charitable Trust. The village comprises 259 one- and two-bedroom apartments and bungalows, supported by a wide range of shared facilities including a café, drinks bar, shop, fitness suite, restaurant, village hall, hairdresser, library and IT suite.

The brief was to modernise and rationalise the existing facilities to create a vibrant, fully accessible social hub for residents, their families and visitors. The proposals focused on improving the quality and flexibility of communal spaces while supporting a safe environment that promotes wellbeing, social interaction and independent living.

Our initial approach involved undertaking a detailed review of how the existing spaces were being used and how they would need to evolve to meet the future needs of residents. This process included questionnaires, surveys and visioning workshops, allowing stakeholders to provide valuable feedback. Design proposals were then presented to representatives of the village community to ensure the final scheme reflected both current requirements and future aspirations.