Shenley Wood Village Celebrates 14 Year anniversary with opening of Major Modernisation Project

Shenley Wood Retirement Village in Milton Keynes has celebrated its 14th anniversary with the official opening of a major modernisation programme. More than 200 residents and guests attended an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea, complete with live entertainment.

The event included addresses from ExtraCare CEO Mick Laverty, Village Manager Mark Penton, and Chair of the RA David Tunney.

Mark hailed the project as a collaborative effort: “The modernisation of Shenley Wood Village has been an exciting project for all at the village; we have collaborated with residents to ensure that their wishes were heard and have been able to deliver new and exciting spaces for them to enjoy. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside the development team in future proofing the village into a fresh and modern space for residents, visitors and friends of the village to enjoy.”

The extensive refurbishment began in November 2024 and has been carried out with Trident Construction Services and Baily Garner. The modernisation has remodelled and upgraded a number of communal, staff and visitor areas at the ExtraCare village

Improvements include an expanded hall with upgraded AV systems, a larger restaurant and bar, a refreshed Piazza and relocated shop with external access, as well as a remodelled gym and enhanced beauty room. Additional upgrades span the library, craft room, Dell, Nature’s Corner, podiatrist space, laundrette, hairdressers, internal and external buggy stores, admin offices and meeting rooms. Accessibility has been improved through fully refurbished WC facilities, and the kitchen and woodworking room have also been expanded and modernised. A new external patio area now provides further outdoor social space.

With eight couples celebrating diamond anniversaries this year, there’s much to celebrate for the new spaces at the village. Andy Birch, Development & Modernisation Project Manager, praised residents’ involvement: “The modernisation at Shenley Wood Village has been a real partnership effort. Residents stayed engaged throughout from RA meetings to informal street updates and their support helped us minimise disruption through careful phasing. It’s been a privilege to work with a community so invested in the project, and our team will genuinely miss the day-to-day conversations that made this work so rewarding.”

Resident Brian Hobbs echoed the feeling of collaboration adding: “The modernisation has really utilised the space better and that feeling of vibrancy will continue within the village. Friends that live in the wider community have also told me how excited they are to come back and see it, it’s not just what the residents are getting from this, it’s what it can offer the wider area and any newcomers coming to an integrated retirement community too.”

Find out more about Shenley Wood Village.