Retirement Villages Group (RVG) is proud to announce the first trio of retailers at its flagship later living community, Botanical Place in West Byfleet, following a special visit from MP for Woking, Will Forster.
Will Forster saw the latest progress on the development including the stunning new show apartment, roof terraces and wellbeing facilities. He praised the redevelopment of the former 60’s office building into a vibrant and inclusive mixed-use community hub, welcoming the announcement of the first three retailers which reflect Botanical Place’s commitment to wellbeing, sustainability, and local enterprise.
Will Forster, MP for Woking commented: "Botanical Place is a transformational improvement for West Byfleet that has regenerated the area and will deliver lasting benefits. I’m delighted that local businesses and residents will soon begin moving in. It was fantastic to get a behind-the-scenes look at the vibrant new spaces that businesses, residents, and visitors will soon be able to enjoy."
Retail announcement: Oluchi Chocolates
Oluchi Chocolates is a start-up chocolatier, which will also offer a wide variety of teas and coffees. Founded by Valerie Oluchi, a resident of West Byfleet since 2004, the company produces a wide range of chocolate products including chocolate eggs, cakes, fudge, toffee, truffles and seasonal varieties.
Valerie Oluchi, founder of Oluchi Chocolates, comments: “The expansion and regeneration that Botanical Place brings to West Byfleet is wonderful. I feel privileged to be part of what is taking place here and look forward to creating a place where families and different generations meet to celebrate life around tea and coffee with chocolate at its centre.”
Retail announcement: Cook
Providing award-winning frozen meals and puddings, COOK is a family-owned company founded in Farnham in 1997, that has grown to over 110 shops, outlets and concessions nationwide. COOK is a certified B Corporation, recognised for its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, with meals prepared using the same techniques and ingredients as home cooking.
Christina Young, head of estates at COOK Trading Ltd, comments: “With our roots in Surrey, we are pleased to be launching the next chapter of the COOK story at Botanical Place in West Byfleet, a location which we firmly believe has all the ingredients for success. Whether residents of the development itself or busy professionals and families in the area, everyone will soon be able to benefit from fresh, healthy hand-prepared meals that support better lifestyles across the community.”
Retail announcement: Calm & Chaos
Local fitness coach and entrepreneur Ali Turpie is behind Calm + Chaos, a personal training and wellness company that combines small group personal training with Pilates and recovery practices. The new gym at Botanical Place will be Calm + Chaos’s flagship space and reflects Ali’s journey, from surviving a stroke in 2020 to building a place where people can train with purpose, recover deeply, and improve their overall wellbeing.
Ali Turpie, founder of Calm + Chaos, comments: “This is a big milestone in my journey and I am delighted to have found the perfect community to house our first space, where we can support and empower as many people as possible. Botanical Place combines an exceptional central location with great design, quality throughout and amenities that will benefit the whole of West Byfleet. Our vision is to bring small group training and Pilates together under one roof, creating a space that supports every part of the health and fitness journey - a place where longevity thrives. We can’t wait to open our doors.”
Botanical Place Opens November 2025
Due to open in November this year, Botanical Place sits at the heart of West Byfleet. This brand-new retirement community has been designed to provide exceptional fit-for-purpose living for over 65s, while creating a welcoming space with a vibrant public square surrounded by shops and businesses that bring together residents, neighbours, and the wider community. Botanical Place provides 197 beautifully designed apartments with a myriad of amenities including a private residents’ lounge and terraced gardens. Not only this but there will be a wellness suite, gym, cinema room and restaurant all of which will be open to the public.
Botanical Place will be whole of life net zero carbon – the first residential scheme in the UK to hit this standard, demonstrating how the operator, RVG, is leading the way in the later living sector. Carbon emissions will be minimised and offset over the entire life of the community, contributing to a more sustainable future. Tim Seddon, CEO of Retirement Villages Group, added:
Botanical Place is so much more than a later living community, it will be a central destination that celebrates independent and connected living. As long-term owners of the scheme, we are committed to ensuring the town centre thrives. This is why we have specifically sought local commercial partners who bring genuine value to the wider West Byfleet community. Together, they and the new library operated by Surrey CC which also forms part of our scheme, will help create a vibrant and connected environment for everyone in the local West Byfleet area.
Thrive Living communities are located at the heart of towns or close to existing communities, enabling over-65s to stay connected to the wider community while enjoying access to local shops, restaurants, and cultural activities. Residents will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing care and support are readily available, along with the freedom to live an active and sociable lifestyle on their terms.