A NEW art deco-themed care home set to provide a vital community facility has been officially opened.

Residents, staff and guests attended the ceremonial opening of Bourne View in Langside Avenue on the Poole-Bournemouth border, with the unveiling of a plaque by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell.

The site is Colten Care's 21st home and features 68 en suite bedrooms, two guest suites, a rooftop garden, Canopy Cafe, piano lounge, hair salon and spa.

The home, which overlooks Bourne Valley nature reserve, offers residential, assisted living and nursing care.

The first resident to move in, Ray Smith MBE, a former Poole Mayor, said: “This is an absolutely beautiful home and I have nothing but praise for Colten Care. They have got running a care home down to a fine art."

The official opening was followed by a public open afternoon in the company of TV health presenter and author Dr Hilary Jones.

Dr Hilary said: “I have a long association with Colten Care and am always blown away by the quality of their homes. Each one is bigger and better than the one before.

"It takes a lot of investment, planning, love and care to create something like this and you will feel and appreciate that whether you come as a resident to live here, or a member of staff to work here."

Before the opening, the Bourne View team had already made friends with the specialist school next door, Langside School, including offering help to improve its facilities.

Mark Aitchison, Colten Care chief executive, said Bourne View would create up to 120 jobs at full occupancy.

“Residents are at the very heart of everything we do," said Mr Aitchison.

"We want the home to be a beacon of excellence reinforcing our position as one of the country’s leading care home groups. A building is only a small part of what makes a home outstanding however. It’s the team and the residents that define a home’s character. I am truly delighted by the team here at Bourne View."

As well as Bourne View, Colten Care owns and runs 20 care homes in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Sussex, all registered for nursing care.