Coronation Street Star Paula Wilcox Officially Opens Signature at Surbiton Care Home

Signature at Surbiton, a new luxury care home from Signature Senior Lifestyle, has officially opened its doors on Ewell Road with a launch celebration bringing together residents, their loved ones, team members and local dignitaries, with actress Paula Wilcox cutting the ribbon.

Upon entry, attendees were welcomed with a glass of fizz and canapés made in-house, a taste of the restaurant-quality dining residents enjoy every day under the guidance of the home’s chef, who joined from The French Table in Surbiton, a restaurant previously listed in the Michelin Guide.

A packed programme of activities was on offer, with guests able to try their hand at arts and crafts, sample a cocktail or mocktail from the Signature at Surbiton bar or be wowed by a magician. A pianist played music throughout the afternoon, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

Highlights included speeches from the Signature at Surbiton team and the official ribbon cutting by actress Paula Wilcox, best known for Man About the House and for playing Elaine Jones in Coronation Street. Guests also included the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Cllr Thay Thayalan, and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jane Lim.

Signature at Surbiton occupies a former NHS site on Ewell Road, bringing a space once dedicated to public health back into use for the local community. The home can accommodate up to 86 residents and provides residential, nursing and dementia care.

Surbiton is one of three Signature homes to open in 2026, alongside Hornchurch and Enfield, taking the group to 13 care homes across London and the home counties.

Thomas Holden, Commissioning General Manager at Signature at Surbiton, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Signature at Surbiton is officially open!

“The team have worked hard to put on a special afternoon to mark the occasion, and it was wonderful to welcome so many neighbours, loved ones and local guests through our doors.

“As a nurse, I know that what matters most to families is how their loved one is supported every day. Beautiful surroundings matter, but what happens inside them matters more. Our team is here to support each resident to live well, keep doing the things they enjoy and stay part of the community they know.

“We placed a real focus on values-based recruitment when building the team here, making sure we only selected people we would trust to care for our own parents. We are delighted to be welcoming our very first residents over the coming weeks, with interest in the home already beyond our expectations, and we look forward to supporting everyone to settle in, enjoy everything the home has to offer and celebrate the festive season together.”

Rob Martin, Chief Executive of Signature Senior Lifestyle, said: “Each of the three new homes we have opened this year reflects our commitment to growing carefully, in the right places, without compromising on quality. Luxury in care isn’t only about beautiful interiors. It means residents feeling well, known and supported, and families feeling confident. That is what our team at Surbiton will deliver every day.”