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North Shields architects complete £1.5 million Newbiggin retirement home refurbishment

Work has completed at a sheltered housing and retirement home in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea which has seen major improvements made to the internal and external communal areas at the 31 dwelling complex.

North Shields-based Blake Hopkinson Architects was brought in by construction firm Turney Wylde as part of the £1.5 million refurbishment of the property which is part of housing association Bernicia’s 8,000 home portfolio in the region.

The firm, which has been recognised with a string of regional national awards for its work in the social and sheltered housing sectors, transformed the outdated building into a modern and contemporary scheme with dramatic improvements to the internal communal areas including the corridors, lounge and dining spaces as well as upgrading the car parks and external environment and gardens.

As well as improving access into the garden itself and ensuring a more natural flow between the interior and outside areas, the project also included the creation of a private garden area and the introduction of a raised patio terrace as well as soft and hard landscaping.

Internally, extensive work has been carried out to the communal lounge, dining and kitchen areas with particular attention also paid to improving corridors to transform them into brighter, more airy spaces which was aided by further work to the walls and floors throughout the building.

Partner at Blake Hopkinson Architects, James Hopkinson, said: “Within the sheltered housing sector there is a clear need to incorporate more high specification architectural design into creating quality living environments which not only meet, but go a long way to exceed, the expectations of tenants and housing associations across the country.

“By incorporating a look and feel which is more akin to that which would be seen in a boutique hotel, it not only increases the visual appeal and comfort of such accommodation but also significantly improves practical aspects including access and flow between, in and around the internal and external areas of the building.”

Mel Baynes, Care and Support Manager at Bernicia said: “Keir Hardie Court now offers extensive, high quality facilities including a scooter store, a hairdressing salon, a beautiful communal lounge and kitchen and accessible, landscaped gardens and we are delighted with how bright and modern the scheme now looks both internally and externally.”