WORK officially starts today on construction of the first council-owned care home to be built in Poole for three decades.

The Borough of Poole (BOP) is holding a special groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Figbury Lodge in Canford Heath.

Earlier this year officials agreed contracts for the building and eventual running of the 80-bed home, which will be built on the site of the former Care UK Mitchell House residential home.

Councillors voted unanimously to award Stepnell Ltd the building contract, and Shaw healthcare a 10-year operating contract for Figbury Lodge.

Cllr Karen Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for adult social services, said: "Figbury Lodge will be a vital and rewarding asset for Poole, and will provide much needed care for vulnerable members of our community.

"I look forward to seeing work begin on the construction of Figbury Lodge, and seeing how it benefits the residents of Poole in the future."

The home will be built on Mitchell Road and include services especially for Poole residents unable to fund their own care.

It is hoped the home will accept its first residents in summer 2019.

A council spokesman explained that as well as providing specialist nursing and dementia care, the new care home will also include a "community hub, with facilities and services available to members of the wider community and the home’s residents."

The name was chosen to reflect the history of the local area, with an 1811 map showing three hills dominating Canford Heath – Lodge Hill, Hakesbury Hill and Figbury Hill.

Speaking earlier this month,Shaw healthcare deputy chief executive officer Suzanne Hughes said: "We are delighted to be selected by the Borough of Poole to deliver high-quality nursing and dementia care as part of this contract.

"Figbury Lodge will provide 21st century accommodation for its residents in a caring environment and where they are able to enjoy the best quality of life.

"In line with our core values, we are keen for Figbury Lodge to become a pivotal part of community life in Canford Heath."