A new care home in Southampton is set to open later this year.

The Wickets, on Banister Road, marked its latest construction milestone with a 'topping out' ceremony.

The event was attended by the Care UK team, construction partner Carter Lauren Construction Limited, and the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor David Shields.

The Lord Mayor laid a tile on the roof in a traditional ceremony, marking the completion of the external build.

He was then given a tour of the home and discussed plans for the interior design and future of The Wickets.

The care home, which is expected to welcome its first residents in February 2026, will provide full-time residential, dementia, and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care for up to 80 older people.

It will also have its own cinema, pub, and coffee shop.

Justin Daley, development project manager at Care UK, said: "We’re delighted to be adding to our ever-expanding portfolio of residential care homes.

"The Wickets is our sixth home in the region and follows the success of Ancasta Grove which opened three years ago in Sarisbury Green, highlighting our commitment to enhancing the standards of care in the region."

Neil Carter, managing director at Carter Lauren Construction Limited, added: "We’re delighted to celebrate this exciting milestone on our second project for Care UK.

"Working on another high-quality care home with Care UK is a fantastic opportunity, and we’re proud to be contributing to a project that will make a real difference in the community."

Councillor Shields said: "This high-quality nursing care home construction aside the supported retirement living development will be positively transformative for this part of our city."

The Wickets has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence.

It will feature secure and wheelchair-friendly landscaped outdoor space, including sensory gardens, water features, and seating.