THE main structure of the £6.8million specialist dementia care home at Upton’s derelict Greenridge pub site is taking shape.

An artist’s impression of the new Waypoints care home development has just been released, giving residents the first glimpse of what the finished complex will look like.

The 64-bed care home, scheduled for completion in early 2015, will be centred around a social hub.

An onsite chemists and coffee outlet will also be included at the development.

Waypoints managing director Andrew Baxendine, pictured, said: “Waypoints Upton will be different from our homes at Verwood and Plymouth with some of the facilities – the pharmacy, coffee shop and vegetable garden – being available for members of the wider community to use, as well as our residents and their families.

“Gardening and enjoyment of outdoor space has therapeutic benefits for our care home residents and we hope that local school children will be able to take part in activities with them in the vegetable garden.”

The home will provide specialist dementia nursing care and respite breaks services. The former Greenridge site stood derelict for a number of years after the pub closed. Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council chairman Councillor June Richards said it was pleasing to see the eyesore site being rejuvenated at last.

Cllr Richards added: “I am really impressed with the thought that has gone into making this development work not only for the future care home residents, but also the wider community.”

Care home residents will also be able to visit their own hairdressing salon, bistro restaurant and traditional sweet shop.

Mr Baxendine said: “Collectively these features reflect our commitment to the integration of Waypoints residents within the Upton community to raise awareness and improve understanding of a health condition touching many lives.”