Work on the new £17.5-million care home at a former school site has broken ground.

A breaking ground ceremony was held at the former Little Furze primary school site in South Oxhey on November 17. The land where the now-demolished school stood will become the 75-bedroom Little Furze nursing care home.

Kori construction and Hertfordshire County Council highlighted that residents will have direct access to garden space from every floor, along with external courtyards, communal spaces, and a café to encourage social interaction.

Watford Observer: The breaking ground event.The breaking ground event. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

The home is set to open in 2025 and create 50 new jobs in the area, while providing greater independence through the latest technology and the natural surroundings.

Local councillors, and residents Bob Maddox and Linda Gillen, were invited to attend the event to keep the community up to date with the latest progress.

Bob Maddox said: “It’s lovely seeing the site being put to good use again.

Watford Observer: The Little Furze site.The Little Furze site. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)

“I live just across the road, in a retirement home, so I was interested to hear about the similar establishments being built.”

Linda Gillen added: “It’s lovely to see something being done with the land, creating something positive for the community.”

Watford Observer: The Little Furze site works.The Little Furze site works. (Image: Hertfordshire County Council)