Birchgrove is a senior living provider, committed to creating high-quality assisted living communities, featuring contemporary apartments for rent in brand-new, purpose-built facilities. Each community is designed to feel like home, with stylish, comfortable apartments that are designed for the future — making life easier, more enjoyable, and perfectly suited to the needs of those in later life.
Birchgrove has taken an exciting step forward by acquiring the former police station on Chiswick High Road, transforming this iconic site into a vibrant new later living community. The redevelopment will introduce 50 beautifully designed apartments alongside state-of-the-art communal facilities, creating a welcoming space not just for residents but for the wider Chiswick community to enjoy.
Birchgrove’s Mission to Redefine Retirement Living
At the heart of Birchgrove’s mission is the belief that existing housing options for people over 65 often fail to meet their needs, particularly for those who prefer not to manage another house purchase. Many older individuals want to downsize, yet the available options are rarely appealing or suitable.
Many smaller properties to buy are just as unsuitable for older people as their existing homes; they’re just smaller versions. In London, the situation is even more complicated, as smaller properties tend to be flats, which are frequently unsuitable for older individuals. Additionally, many older people are keen to avoid leasehold properties or purpose-built retirement homes, particularly if they’ve only ever lived in freehold homes.
This is where Birchgrove’s rental retirement model comes in – it’s the perfect solution for those looking for a smaller, thoughtfully designed property that is tailored to the needs of older people, without the stress of a purchase or the risk of unforeseen costs.
Why Birchgrove chose Chiswick for the exciting New Development?
Birchgrove loved the idea of developing a later living community in such a vibrant and bustling location. With its unique blend of parks, excellent transport links, independent shops, restaurants and cafes, Chiswick provides the perfect setting for those who want to stay connected to everything the city has to offer while still enjoying a peaceful, community-focused environment.
There’s a misconception that when people get older they want to move away from big cities, but this isn’t always the case—especially for those who’ve spent their lives in a particular area.
An Age Concern report released last year revealed that there were 1.4 million people aged over 60 living in London, making them the fastest-growing demographic in the capital. Many of these individuals reported deep connections to the area, with 76% expressing happiness with their family and community connections. Additionally, 59% reported feeling positive about living in London—a figure that rises to 64% among those aged 75 and over.
Our aim is to create thriving communities that make it possible for people to remain lifelong Londoners, offering spaces that support their needs in later life.
Planned features and amenities at the Chiswick development
All Birchgrove developments are designed to be future-proof, featuring level-access bathrooms, wider doorways, lifts, and emergency call systems.
We’ve recently become the first senior living provider in the UK to install Nobi’s AI-driven fall detection smart lamps. These unobtrusive lights look like regular light fittings, but are tailored specifically to our demographic as they are aimed at detecting and even predicting falls. The lights alert staff when someone has fallen to make sure people aren’t lying on their own for hours.
Edna Petzel
In addition to thoughtfully designed homes, Birchgrove’s developments include a range of communal spaces where residents can socialise. At the Chiswick development, these amenities will include a 24-hour concierge service, a restaurant, a club room with a licensed bar, a courtyard garden, and a wellness suite.
Connecting with the Chiswick Community
The Chiswick development has been designed with the local community in mind. The ground floor will feature a dedicated space available for hire by local groups, charities, and individuals. In a nod to its history, they’ve also included a space for the police to hold meetings with residents, alongside a permanent area for officers to charge their body-worn cameras, iPads, and radios.
The development also addresses a pressing need for retirement accommodation in Hounslow. According to the 2015 London Plan, Hounslow has a target of 135 new specialist homes for elderly people per year, and the redevelopment of the police station site will play a vital role in tackling the borough’s retirement accommodation shortage.
Sustainability at the Core of the Development
At Birchgrove, sustainability is a key focus. They prioritise low-carbon and low-energy building designs, minimise waste during construction, and incorporate renewable technology wherever possible. These principles ensure that their buildings use less energy, benefitting both residents and the environment.
The Chiswick development exemplifies these values, having been assessed as highly sustainable, achieving a minimum 77% reduction in carbon emissions over the regulatory baseline.
Retirement Living at Birchgrove
Birchgrove’s thoughtfully designed retirement communities offer individuals comfort, connection, and peace of mind for those in their later years. With their innovative approach and focus on sustainability, they are creating spaces where residents can thrive while staying close to the communities they love.
To learn more about how Birchgrove is transforming retirement living and whether it’s the right choice for you or your loved ones, don’t hesitate to get in touch with their team.
Additionally, if you’d like to learn more about retirement properties, be sure to read our blog What Are Retirement Properties.
Birchgrove contact details:
Call 020 3929 5599 or visit their website here.
