THE first turf has been cut at the Hampshire site that is set to revolutionise care for the elderly.

So-called pensioners' paradise Brendoncare Knightwood will boast its own hairdresser, gym, library and fully licensed restaurant as well as nursing home beds and residential accommodation when it is complete.

The £6.5m total care living complex, at the corner of Knightwood Road and Shannon Way in Valley Park, Chandler's Ford, was granted planning permission in April after months of controversy.

Even before the first bricks have been laid, more than 20 people have signed up to move in.

Now work is under way to ensure the state-of-the-art centre opens before autumn next year.

Brendoncare chairman Jeremy Delmar-Morgan kick-started building work with the help of two Hampshire couples who have already put their names on the Brendoncare waiting list.

Derek Ball, 73, of Blenheim Avenue, Southampton, is hoping to move into the centre with his wife Clare. He said: "Everything has been thought of in this development. It just seems to cater for every contingency.

"When my wife and I first saw it mentioned in the Daily Echo, we knew it was just what we wanted."

Maurice and Edith Fielder, who live just around the corner in Shannon Way, Valley Park, were equally excited.

Maurice, 79, said: "Independent living is really important to us, so we're very interested in Brendoncare Knightwood.

"It's a good layout, close to the shops, the doctors and a bus stop."

The 21st century care centre has been described as a holiday resort for the over-60s with all the facilities only a "Zimmer-frame push away", according to Brendoncare chief exec Ron Staker.

It is designed to allow residents to live completely independent lives, while staying in one of 30 two-bedroom care apartments, seven two-bedroom bungalows, or 20 nursing care beds.

Mr Delmar-Morgan told the Daily Echo: "We are delighted to be moving forward on this superb care complex.

"Brendoncare Knightwood will provide local people with excellent accommodation and enable them to live full and independent lives with access to personal and nursing care, delivered to them in their own home if, and whenever, needed."

A customer enquiry centre is due to open in July.