Sunrise Senior Living at Willingdon roundabout is still under construction but show suites were unveiled last week and there have already been a number of enquiries from people hoping to move in.

The complex is due to officially open in March next year and will be home to 88 residents.

The residence will provide private en-suite suites and relaxing communal areas for residents and their guests, as well as lounges, a bistro, a hairdressing salon, activity rooms and garden.

A reminiscence area will also care for those with Alzheimer's and other age-related memory problems in a safe, specialist and separate area where residents will be cared for by specialist staff, with individual care programmes and a range of activities designed to stimulate memories.

Gordon Patterson, executive director at Sunrise of Eastbourne, said the new residence will make a real difference to the provision of care for older people in Eastbourne and the surrounding area.

"We are very excited to be opening a Sunrise community in Eastbourne," said Mr Patterson.

"We welcome local residents to come and visit our show suites so that they can see what life will be like at Sunrise of Eastbourne.

"Our key aim at Sunrise is to help our residents to maintain their independence for as long as possible.

"To that end we will offer our residents a full and varied activity programme and a wide range of facilities such as the bistro and hairdressing salon, where or resident will be able socialise and relax.

"We are looking forward to becoming part of the local community. The bistro will be open to local people, who will be able to pop in to enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon tea, catch up with all the local news and a flick through the daily papers."

Staff are currently being recruited and the building is currently taking shape.

The complex was initially dogged with controversy when plans were first mooted to knock down the former Eastbourne Garden Centre and petrol station and build the home in its place.

Residents objected to the planning application saying the building was out of keeping with the area.

Last week local residents in Willingdon Road and Upper Kings Drive were invited in to see for themselves the new building.

The show suites are now open and the information centre at 6 Upper Kings Drive is also open to the public weekdays from 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-4pm.

Further information is available by contacting the information centre on 01323 525000.