A resident has won a competition to name the suites of a brand new care home.

The Wickets, a Care UK home on Banister Road in Southampton, invited the public to suggest names with cultural or historical significance to the area.

The winning entry came from Southampton resident Sandra Shahid, who proposed ‘Saints,’ ‘Mayflower,’ ‘Bargate,’ and ‘Austen’—all reflecting the city’s heritage through landmarks, historical figures, and other icons.

Sandra said: "I’m thrilled my suggestions have helped inspire the suite names – Southampton is steeped in history and these names reflect that."

Justin Daley, development project manager at Care UK, said: "Picking the suite names for a new home is one of the key milestones in preparation for opening our doors and welcoming residents.

"All of the suggestions we received were of a very high quality, making our decision a difficult one, but we felt using the names of iconic historical figures and landmarks to be a great way to reflect the local community spirit we hope to foster at The Wickets.

"We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to submit an entry and to Sandra for inspiring the winning suite names."

READ MORE: Florence Court Care Home holds 1970s nostalgia day

The Wickets is scheduled to welcome its first residents in early spring 2026.

The home will offer full-time residential, dementia, and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, for up to 80 older people.

The building will be divided into four suites, each with its own bedrooms and lounge area to support smaller, close-knit communities within the home.

These suites are designed to encourage group activities and social connections among residents.

READ MORE: Speedwell Court care home to host Charity Hairdresser Day

Care UK said The Wickets has been purpose-built to support independence and wellbeing, with space for leisure and hobbies.

For more information about the new care home, visit careuk.com/care-homes/the-wickets.

The home includes secure, wheelchair-friendly landscaped gardens with sensory areas, water features, and seating.

Inside, residents will have access to a cinema room, café, and hair and beauty salon.

Each suite will have its own dedicated lounge and dining area to help foster a sense of community.