We recently welcomed local stakeholders, community representatives and business owners to Headley Chase to celebrate the progress of our development on the former Headley Court site near Epsom.
Held on Wednesday 30th September, the event brought together people with a longstanding connection to Headley and the surrounding area. It was an opportunity to see how our development is taking shape, learn more about the next phase and reflect on the history of a site that holds real significance for the local community.
Among our guests were David Preedy, Chair of Headley Parish Council, Nicola Norville, Communications and Events Manager at DMRC Benevolent Fund and a former Speech and Language Therapist at Headley Court, local district councillors and representatives from Audley Group, which is also developing a luxury retirement village on the former Headley Court site, alongside many other community representatives.
Our Managing Director of Elivia Homes Central, Jack Biggerstaff, joined David and Nicola to share perspectives on the development, the local community and the site's important heritage.
We were delighted to give guests the opportunity to tour the development and our show homes, meet our team and strengthen relationships with local stakeholders, businesses and organisations. Bringing people together in this way is an important part of our commitment to creating a development that feels connected to the wider Headley community.
Looking ahead at Headley Chase
Phase One of Headley Chase is now complete and welcoming residents, while Phase Two is under construction and due to launch in early 2027. Together, these phases will deliver a new residential community of 70 homes in a location with a rich and important history.
We recognise that the former Headley Court site means a great deal to many people. As the home of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court played a vital role in the rehabilitation of injured Armed Forces personnel from the post-war era until the centre relocated to Stanford Hall in 2018.
Respecting and recognising this legacy is an important part of our plans for Headley Chase, and we want to ensure that the site's history continues to be remembered as the development evolves.
Creating a place for reflection
Next summer, we plan to open a peace garden within the development's public open space. We want this to be a place for quiet reflection that acknowledges the site's military heritage while also providing space for people to pause and reflect on mental health and wellbeing.
Our plans include engraved benches and calming wildflower planting, creating a peaceful setting where residents and visitors can take a moment for themselves.
For us, the garden represents an opportunity to honour the past while creating something meaningful for the future: a shared space that recognises the experiences of those who came before us and supports the wellbeing of the community today.
Jack Biggerstaff, Managing Director of Elivia Homes Central, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome local representatives and members of the community to Headley Chase and share the progress we’re making at this important site. With residents now calling Phase One their home, it’s exciting to see the development taking shape, and we hope Headley Chase will become an integral part of the wider community for years to come.
“Our planned peace garden will also provide a lasting space for reflection, recognising the site’s military heritage and the importance of mental health and wellbeing.”
Honouring Headley Court's legacy
We were particularly pleased to hear from Nicola Norville, who shared her personal memories of working at Headley Court and the people who made it such a special place.
Nicola said: “I have so many wonderful memories of the inspirational people I worked with here. Our mission at Headley Court was to help servicemen and women through rehabilitation, supporting them to return to frontline service or make a safe transition to civilian life. What stays with me is the courage, determination and good humour of those who came through our doors. From sports days to social events, there was a unique spirit and sense of camaraderie that made Headley Court a very special place.
“That legacy continues at our purpose-built facilities at DMRC Stanford Hall, near Loughborough. I’m delighted to see Elivia’s Headley Court development looking so in keeping with the local surrounds and hope the Headley magic continues for its new residents.”
Hearing these reflections reinforced the importance of recognising the site's history as we look to the future of Headley Chase.
Building lasting connections with the local community
Our event was an important opportunity to connect with people who have a longstanding relationship with Headley, share the progress we’re making and discuss how Headley Chase can become part of the local community.
As we continue to welcome residents and progress the next phase of the development, we’re committed to building positive relationships with the people, organisations and businesses that make Headley such a special place.
We look forward to bringing stakeholders together again next summer to mark the opening of our peace garden and continue the conversation about Headley Court's past, present and future.
