Official opening of £13 million Marigold House, bringing modern care and community together
Tuesday, 23 September 2025
A brand-new, state-of-the-art £13 million care home was officially on opened on Monday 22 September 2025 in Leighton Buzzard.
The opening marks a major milestone in our commitment to providing modern, high-quality accommodation for older people.
The opening was celebrated with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Councillor Mark Smith, our Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, and Councillor David Bligh, Mayor of Leighton-Linslade Town Council. They were joined by staff, residents, and guests before enjoying refreshments and a look inside the home.
Marigold House is the first older person’s care home we've built in more than 50 years. It provides a safe, modern environment with bright living spaces, specialist facilities, and welcoming outdoor areas. The home is managed by Care is Central and has been designed to encourage both independence and a sense of community. The name of the home was chosen by the staff and residents of Westlands Care Home, many of whom moved to Marigold House when it closed.
Councillor Mark Smith said:
This is a truly momentous day. Marigold House sets a new benchmark for older people’s care in Central Bedfordshire. It is a super energy-efficient building with outstanding eco credentials and, importantly, is also home to the local day centre. Community rooms are available, making Marigold House not just a home, but a hub for the community, integrating residents with those living locally.
This £13 million investment shows our commitment to meeting the needs of an ageing population. Marigold House is more than a care home and has already grown into a thriving community. Residents enjoy modern spaces, excellent care facilities, and the chance to live safe and dignified lives.
Robert Templeton, Managing Director of Care is Central said:
Although Marigold House has been welcoming residents for six months now, today marks a special moment to reflect on the incredible community that has already grown here. It’s been heart warming to see how quickly residents have settled in and made Marigold House their own. The addition of the Older Persons Day Centre has further enriched the atmosphere, creating a homely and supportive space for everyone. We’re proud to manage this home on behalf of the council and look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care as we work with them to open a new home in Flitwick at the end of the year.
Built to Passivhaus standards, Marigold House is one of the most environmentally sustainable care homes in the country, combining energy efficiency with outstanding design.
The home is a key part of our long-term strategy to modernise care provision across the area. Later this year, Honeysuckle House, a new 72-bedroom care home, will open in Flitwick as part of the larger Red Kite Meadows development.