And contractors are now being invited to bid for places on frameworks across the country.

Inspired Villages currently has six villages in operation, three of which have construction of further residential phases ongoing.

The company’s seventh and eighth villages are also under construction, with works expected to commence on four further villages this year.

Appointment of the South East Partner Group of construction partners follows a comprehensive selection process that saw more than 40 regional and national construction contractors submit an expression of interest followed by interviews and a short-listing process.

The winners are Castleoak, Highwood, Graham, Kier, Stepnell, Thakeham, Vistry, Wates and Willmott Dixon.

They have been chosen “based on their expertise, ingenuity and ability to work to a predictable and consistent timeline, as well as a track record in delivering the highest quality retirement communities within allocated timeframes and budget.”

Inspired added: “Furthermore, the appointed contractors have a commitment to health, safety and the environment that aligns with Inspired Villages’ environmental strategy of creating homes that are energy efficient, causing minimal construction waste, and installing clean energy technology and infrastructure across new developments.”

Each Inspired village development is typically delivered in three phases over a period of four years at a contract costs ranging from £10m to £30m per phase.

Shaun Whelan, Construction Director at Inspired Villages, said: “These are exciting times for Inspired Villages and following the successful launch of our South East Partner Group we are now turning our attention to establish similar contractor partnership groups for the midlands, north and Scotland to support our ambitious growth plans and align with our future development opportunities.

“Contractors wishing to be considered for one of our further contractor partnership groups can show an expression of interest by initially contacting [email protected].”