The Mayor of Wandsworth donned her hard hat and high-visibility vest when visiting the construction site of London’s first purpose-built retirement village.

Councillor Angela Graham visited Battersea Place, on Albert Bridge Road, Battersea, and met people at the ambitious development.

She said: "We were delighted LifeCare Residences had chosen our borough for their first London project.

"This area of the city has a rapidly growing need for good quality retirement homes, and Battersea Place will set a perfect benchmark for future schemes."

The village will comprise 109 luxury apartments and penthouses, while more than 70% have already been reserved.

Among the amenities will be a leisure complex with indoor pool, bar, restaurant with a private delivery service, library and cinema room.

In-house concierges and carers will be offering round-the-clock assistance and nursing care.

The site, due for completion in 2015, will also have its own boutique nursing home with 30 studio bedrooms.

LifeCare Residences chairman Cliff Cook said: "After creating a number of villages in my home country, New Zealand, I have always wanted to introduce this concept for retirement communities in the United Kingdom, particularly London.

Prices for remaining properties range from £505,000 - £2.5m.