A NEW 72-bed luxury care home overlooking Oxford could see a restaurant, spa facilities and cinema opened up to the public.

The home, currently under construction in Cumnor Hill, is due to open early next year and the people of West Oxford will be invited to make use of the facilities.

Berkley Care Group chief executive Seamus Halton said: “There will be a bistro bar within the home as well as spa facilities, a cinema, library and private dining room.

“We will be inviting residents of Cumnor Hill to things like wine tasting events and allow them to use the facilities we have.

“We do this in our other homes and at first the uptake isn’t great, people are put off, because it’s a care home.“but eventually it works. It will be much more like a hotel.”

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The Care Group has entered into discussions with Cumnor Hill Residents’ Association about the use of the facilities and also hopes to extend the invite further afield.

Mr Halton said the grounds were much more spacious than they had initially realised.

He added: “We have actually evolved the plans. The grounds are much more extensive than we imagined now that we have cleared all the trees away.

“The homes could flow down into landscape gardens with the extra space.”

The foundations have been laid and construction has begun, with the home expected to open early next year.

The chief executive said he expected the home to be occupied by more active elderly folk.

“Our client group is normally those in their late 70s and early 80s who are still quite active and have a life to live but are perhaps looking for more of a social life or are just lonely.

“When their health deteriorates we will have the capability to look after them.”

Cumnor councillor Dudley Hoddinott, who lives off Cumnor Hill, said it was a nice gesture but it was more likely to be used as residence for local people.

The Vale of White Horse District councillor said: “I think it’s a nice gesture and they are clearly looking to involve their neighbours.

“I’m not sure many people will take it up though. We have decent broadband here and it’s unlikely anyone would use the cinema.”

He added: “There are lots of single people in the area, who have lost spouses, and it could be a place for them.

“Lots of local people have gone into Field House in West Way because it’s not far and they can keep in touch with friends and relatives.”

More than 40 people objected to the original planning application due to a number of concerns over size and traffic problems in the area.