Construction on Bowburn Manor Care Home is approaching completion and the facility is slated to begin admitting residents in early winter 2026, developers have confirmed. The new home, part of the Integra 61 development at the end of Bowburn Way, is intended to serve older people across County Durham and the wider North East.
Capacity, facilities and jobs
The three-storey building covers approximately 38,077 square feet and will provide 73 en-suite bedrooms designed for residential, dementia and respite care. It incorporates communal lounges, activity spaces, an on-site café, a hair salon and a sports room, alongside landscaped gardens for residents and families.
Once fully staffed, the operator expects the home to create about 85 jobs in areas including care, hospitality, wellbeing and support services — a boost to local employment as the community adapts to an ageing population.
- Beds: 73
- Floors: 3
- Estimated jobs: 85
- Size: 38,077 sq ft
Environmental credentials and design features
The home has been built with sustainability central to its design and is aiming for an EPC rating of A. It is a fully electric building that will be heated and powered using air source heat pumps and solar panels, measures intended to reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort for residents.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Energy | Fully electric; air source heat pumps and solar panels |
| Accommodation | 73 en-suite bedrooms across three floors |
| On-site facilities | Café, hair salon, sports room, activity areas, landscaped gardens |
Preparing for demand
The opening comes at a time when demand for elderly care in the county is growing. Projections show the over-85 population — the group most likely to require residential support — is rising rapidly, and more than 10,000 people in County Durham are estimated to be living with dementia. The operator says the new home will offer a programme of activities and events to support residents’ wellbeing.
"From the moment we open our doors, our focus will be on creating a warm, welcoming home where residents feel safe, valued, and supported to live fulfilling lives," said Karen Johnson, the appointed home manager.
Kirsty Crozier, managing director of St Mary’s Care Homes, described Bowburn Manor as an important investment for the company and the area. The project forms part of the wider Integra 61 scheme, which also includes new housing and business units nearby.
Local families and health planners will be watching the final stages of construction closely. As the region’s demographic shift places pressure on care services, the arrival of new residential capacity in Bowburn will be significant for those seeking specialist and long-term support close to home.
Practical details about admissions, visiting arrangements and staffing structures are expected to be announced as the site completes handover and prepares for residents to move in early next winter.
