A major milestone has been reached at The Oakleigh, the €135m purpose-built integrated retirement community in St Albans, developed by Elysian Residences, with the topping out of the final structural building. The event, celebrated with a traditional trowelling ceremony, marked another key step toward the launch of what is set to be one of Hertfordshire’s most luxurious later living communities.
Located on a 5.2-hectare site between Burston Manor and How Wood, the development will deliver 124 homes, a mix of 44 two- and three-bedroom cottages and 80 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 72.4 m² to 130.9 m². It forms part of a rapidly growing €875m pipeline by Elysian, whose hospitality-led model has proven resilient and attractive to investors.
The Oakleigh is being delivered in partnership with Senior Living Investment Partners (SLIP), a joint venture between Pension Insurance Corporation and specialist real estate investor Octopus Real Estate, alongside Kingscote Construction and frame contractor Morrisroe Group. What sets this IRC apart is its design-led approach, with award-winning architects ColladoCollins delivering a masterplan that integrates heritage and landscape to create a visually connected village around a central green with pond.
Beyond amenities like a clubhouse, gym, library, art room and on-site restaurant, The Oakleigh includes extensive wellness paths and direct access to the How Wood parade of shops. In a rare infrastructure benefit, the reinstatement of historic Burston Lane and improvements to the A405 junction enhance value not just for residents but for local traffic and nearby commercial sites such as Burston Garden Centre, a detail likely to appeal to investors seeking mixed-benefit assets.
Gavin Stein, Chief Executive Officer at Elysian Residences, commented: “We are thrilled to reach this significant milestone with the topping out of The Oakleigh retirement village in St Albans. This development is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional living environments in the retirement sector combining stunning design, high-end amenities, and a vibrant community. The Oakleigh represents the very best of modern retirement living, offering a truly unlimited lifestyle in a unique and enriching setting. We look forward to welcoming those who will live within this exceptional new village and to offering the very best hospitality, support and community life.”
Andy Beckett, Managing Director, Kingscote Construction Ltd, says: “We are proud to celebrate the topping out of The Oakleigh retirement village, the result of the dedication and expertise of our construction team. This milestone marks an important step towards completing this wonderful new village, designed to provide a truly exceptional quality of life and environment. Working alongside Elysian Residences, we are once more bringing their inspiring vision of later living to life.”
The consumer launch in June will unveil a new experience suite in central St Albans. Prices start from approximately €595,000. For more details, visit the official Oakleigh site.
People mentioned:
Gavin Stein, Chief Executive Officer, Elysian Residences
Sean Boshell, Project Director, Elysian Residences
Brian Morrisroe, CEO, Morrisroe Group
Andy Beckett, Managing Director, Kingscote Construction
Jo Cawdell, Senior Development Manager, Octopus Capital
Companies and roles:
Elysian Residences – Developer and future operator
Senior Living Investment Partners (PIC and Octopus) – Funders
Kingscote Construction – Construction
Morrisroe Group – Frame contractor
ColladoCollins – Architects
Octopus Real Estate – Specialist real estate investor
Pension Insurance Corporation – Institutional investor
Image source: The Oakleigh (Elysian Residences)
Get the latest real estate news and investment insights from Europe Real Estate - your trusted source since 1999. To receive daily or weekly updates. Sign up here!
