A managing director says he is extremely confident his company will have no problem selling all of the apartments at a new retirement village.

Mayfield has begun building its 255-home retirement village near Watford General Hospital, which is part of the major Riverwell development.

This is Mayfield's first ever village and after spending a lot of time searching the country, it identified Watford as a suitable location.

Managing director Paul Morgan, speaking at an event next door to the building site last month, said: "We expect to fill every apartment. We have a shortage of retirement villages in the UK. We looked for a long time for a location and decided Watford will be the first Mayfield village."

When asked what the benefits of living in a retirement village were, Mr Morgan said: "It's the sense of community. People living with other people like them, which actually makes them feel younger. But it is also about tackling loneliness."

So far, 12 apartments have been brought and five have been reserved.

Harrow Times:

CGI image of Mayfield, part of the Watford Riverwell development

Marilyn Mee, 74, was Mayfield's first buyer purchasing one of the penthouse apartments.

Ms Mee said: "I currently live in a one-bed property, like a semi-bungalow in Maple Cross. Where I am, the buses are not brilliant.

"I heard about Mayfield and the village through leaflets. When I had a look, I thought it was very attractive. But it was the social aspect that appealed to me most."

The retirement village includes a bar, bistro, swimming pool, village hall, fitness rooms, and spa.

Last month, buyers and interested parties were invited for lunch at Mayfield's pop-up showroom off Thomas Sawyer Way.

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Chief executive Nick Sanderson speaking at the fair

Nick Sanderson, CEO of Mayfield Villages, said: "Owners moving into Mayfield Watford tell me it’s the sense of community that they are most looking forward to and events like the fair are incredibly important in building this.

"Owners, both current and prospective, had the chance to sample tasters from the menu, start thinking about the design of their property and most importantly spend the afternoon with other people moving into the village. We’ve already started putting plans in place for the next events and look forward to welcoming more people, their friends and family to Mayfield Watford very soon."