Member Article

Specialist housing provision boosted in Newcastle

Work on a development of apartments for people with dementia and wheelchair users has begun in Throckley, to further boost Newcastle’s specialist housing provision.

The rented apartment scheme by Keepmoat, will be the first of its kind in the west of the City, and is part of a £12m mixed homes development, which will provide housing for both first time buyers and older people.

The specialist complex for older people includes 45 rented apartments constructed with design friendly principles in mind for people with dementia as well as wheelchair accessible bungalows.

The need for more specially designed homes for older people is clear. The Alzheimer’s Society estimate that there are now 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025 and to 2 million by 2051.

Sufferers of dementia are usually happier if they can remain independent and live in their own homes for as long as possible. The specifically designed complex is intended to improve choice and quality of life for households living with dementia enabling more people to remain independent at home and reducing the need for crisis moves into residential care.

The self-contained apartments and bungalows at Throckley will provide a safe environment and provide residents with privacy and their own personal space under their own control, as well as a stimulating environment for activities designed to combat social isolation.

The extra care facility also includes a communal lounge with resident’s kitchen, consultation room and a quiet room with hairdressing facilities area.

Opus Building Services was awarded the contract to provide the specialist mechanical & electrical building services on the new development for Keepmoat, which is part of the Newcastle Housing Partnership Framework with Newcastle City Council.

Gavin Richardson, MD of Opus Building Services added: “With an aging population and the number of people living with dementia set to rise every year, it is imperative that the provision of accommodation and specialist services are also in place to enable more older people continue to live independently at home.

“The Throckley development in Newcastle is a great example of joined up thinking and collaboration in housing.”

Lee Francis, area director for Keepmoat in the North East said: “Throckley is a unique development in that it has a great variation on tenure. We worked with our partners to fully establish the housing needs in Newcastle and we’re proud that this scheme will cater for the masses. We have extensive experience of building homes for those with specialist care needs, while 75% of our customers are first time buyers; so, we are perfectly placed to deliver this project.”

Keepmoat has an impressive pipeline of projects planned in the region for further accommodation for older people and those suffering with dementia.

Opus Building Services provides specialist electrical, heating and plumbing services across a range of sectors including; housing, commercial and retail, healthcare, education, sports and leisure as well as industrial and manufacturing.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Opus Building Services .