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£10m Sunderland care home to create 80 new jobs

Work has started on a new, £10m care home in Sunderland which, one complete, will provide facilities for 75 residents and create 80 new jobs when it opens early next year.

The brainchild of older people’s charity Abbeyfield, the development will provide 75 one and two bedroom flats offering independent living for older people at affordable rents, as well as additional care services via 24-hour, tailor made staff support.

Abbeyfield, which is working in partnership with Sunderland City Council and Tyneside building contractor Tolent Construction, will begin the recruitment process later this year, where roles will include maintenance, chefs, front-of-house and care staff.

The building scheme is being financed by both Abbeyfield and the Homes and Communities Agency, the national housing and regeneration body for England that helps to fund affordable accommodation.

Jacquelene Notman, Abbeyfield’s project lead on the Silksworth development, said: “This is the first time Abbeyfield has undertaken a 75-unit scheme in a location which is new to us.

“As a charity we are governed by need, and this is a real opportunity for us to offer older people living in and around the Sunderland area an exciting new facility which combines Abbeyfield’s ethos of providing the best service of care and housing, and to be a champion for older people in the community.

“Abbeyfield is a charity dedicated to making the lives of older people easier and more fulfilling, while enabling them to live their lives as independently as they wish with the safety net of a caring environment.

“Silksworth is an important development for Abbeyfield that will provide older people with the ability to live independently, while enjoying the security and confidence of knowing additional round-the-clock support and care is on hand if needed, all in an attractive, modern, purpose-built environment.”

Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care, Councillor Graeme Miller, added: “I’m delighted that Abbeyfield has chosen to invest in our city.

“We look forward to working with Abbeyfield and our community partners to make this scheme a real success. We also welcome the continuing support of the Homes and Communities Agency who have helped to fund this latest project.”

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