The ground has been broken on a brownfield site in Newcastle that is to be transformed into assisted living apartments.
The development at Newlyn Road, in North Kenton is being delivered by a partnership between Leazes Homes, Newcastle City Council and Your Homes Newcastle and will comprise 38 self contained, wheelchair friendly apartments - built by construction specialist Galliford Try Partnerships North.
Designed for people requiring varying degrees of care, the aim of the project is to provide a living environment in which residents can enjoy privacy and independence yet still access any support they may need.
The development will feature 20 single and 18 two bedroomed apartments, a communal lounge which can also be utilised as a ‘hub’ where structured activities can take place and a landscaped garden for the enjoyment of all residents.
The apartments will be warmed by under floor heating and constructed using fabric first – a greener approach that provides much greater insulation. Work is expected to be complete by July 2015.
Bill Midgley, Chair of Leazes Homes said: “Leazes Homes is committed to providing modern, affordable homes and support for people in need. The assisted living apartments at Newlyn Road will form a key part of our property portfolio and enable many people to receive appropriate levels of care, while remaining as independent as possible. The development of this site isn’t just a one off either – we plan to create more of these valuable apartments in the future and already have similar ventures in the pipeline.
“Leazes Homes is about far more than just providing bricks and mortar, we’re about building thriving communities where people are supported to live full lives. We’re thrilled to be working with Galliford Try to this end and look forward to sharing the excellent apartments they’re constructing with our tenants.”
Foster Innes, Operations Director with the Galliford Try Partnerships North said: “We look forward to working on this project that will create modern sustainable homes for people requiring support to live independently. We have significant expertise in developments of this type which we will bring to this initiative.”
Councillor Ged Bell, Investment and Development Portfolio Holder at Newcastle City Council, said: “It’s essential that we provide more good quality housing to meet the needs of an ageing population. Newcastle is an age-friendly city and we are proud to be a partner in this exciting new development.”