Wates Residential announces completion of third Extra Care scheme in Hull

Wates Residential, the national property development firm, has completed work on a 156-apartment Extra Care complex at Leads Road in Hull.

Completion of the residential scheme marks the conclusion of an £80m investment programme by Hull City Council.

Set to open as Redwood Glades, the scheme is the third and final development to be handed over by Wates following its appointment to lead the construction of the council’s Extra Care private finance initiative in 2014.

Delivered in partnership with social housing and regeneration specialist, Riverside, the new developments collectively bring 316 Extra Care apartments to Hull.

Redwood Glades, which offers 60 two-bedroom and 96 one-bedroom apartments, will be adding to the 65 apartments at Harrison Park at Hall Road, and 95 apartments at Cecil Gardens at Hawthorn Avenue.

The three new Extra Care developments have been funded by the Department of Health (DoH).

Designed by Croft Goode Architects, each complex enables residents to live independently, providing a community hub complete with gardens, restaurants, salons, rooms for hire and IT facilities, all of which are also available for wider community use.

Wates Residential has reported a local supply chain spend of £43.4m in the delivery of the three developments, of which £6.65m has been with Hull-based subcontractors.

In addition, the developer has created 52 apprenticeship opportunities, 20 work experience placements, delivered 46 NVQ qualifications and 41 short courses as part of a drive to boost training and employment opportunities.

Jo Jamieson, managing director of Wates Residential, commented: “Leading the delivery of the three Extra Care developments in partnership with Hull City Council and Riverside has been extremely rewarding and it gives us a great sense of pride to see the result of our shared vision to create safe, secure and supportive residential developments.

“The partners involved in Redwood Glades, Harrison Park and Cecil Gardens have had one core focus, to encourage independent living amongst the city’s elderly and those living with disabilities, mental health problems or dementia.

“This has also presented us with a valuable opportunity to support the communities of Hull, with local people benefiting from a host of training and employment initiatives on site.”

Councillor John Black, portfolio holder for Housing, said: “I am delighted to see construction work completed at Redwood Glades which will undoubtedly be an incredibly valuable addition to Hull’s Extra Care housing scheme.

“Extra Care is a great example of the pioneering future of adult social care, with care, support and housing all under one roof, giving resident’s greater choice, comfort and independence in their own homes.

“This major investment into the area also provides training and job opportunities for local people, which is paramount to the programme.”

John Glenton, Riverside’s executive director of Care and Support, added: “We’re delighted to take charge of the final building in this ground-breaking development that will change the way care services are delivered for many people in Hull.

“This development, along with Harrison Park and Cecil Gardens, will provide a balance of independence and reassurance for residents, allowing them to enjoy the privacy of their own home with the comfort of knowing care is available as and when they need it.

“We’re now looking forward to welcoming new residents to their homes and transforming Redwood Glades into a vibrant community hub which will serve the people of Hull for years to come.”

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