Work starts on site this month to provide 92 suites of which 24 are specially designed for dementia care.

The building will also include a restaurant, hair salon, lounges, cinema, spa bathroom, bistro and a dedicated space for exhibiting art.

The project is designed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard and will incorporate sustainable features such as a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant and solar thermal panels.

Martin Smout, chairman and chief executive of GB Group said:  “GB shares Signature’s ‘people focus’  to create a community for residents, providing a premium service where residents can have both expert care and a happy, stimulating lifestyle.

“We will use our expertise to make sure that residents live in a high quality building where this lifestyle is possible.

“This is the start of an exciting new relationship with Signature Senior Lifestyle and we are looking forward to using our extensive experience to deliver them a high quality care development. ”

Wayne Price, director of development for Signature said “We are delighted to be working with GB as they support Signature’s growth plan for the south east.

“Signature prides itself on putting its residents at the heart of everything it does, offering a place to genuinely feel at home in specially designed suites, where residents can enjoy quality meals and a full range of activities.

“We look forward to successfully completing the project and welcoming residents to their new home at Signature.”

The scheme is due to be completed in Spring 2014.