Step forward for £30 million sheltered accommodation scheme in Morpeth as contractors appointed
The county has a shortage of sheltered accommodation
by James Robinson · ChronicleLivePlans to build an 83-bed extra care scheme in Morpeth have taken a step forward after building contractors were appointed.
Housing association Karbon Homes is working alongside Northumberland County Council to bring forward the new, affordable housing scheme in a bid to tackle the county's shortage of accommodation that provides care for residents with various levels of need. The company has confirmed it has now exchanged contracts with Vistry North East, who will build the scheme.
The new scheme will consist of a mix of one- and two-bed apartments, of which 15 have been designed for people with dementia. Coun Wendy Pattison, the council's cabinet member for adult social care, explained the importance of providing dementia care for Northumberland.
She said: "I feel we probably don't have enough of this type of accommodation. I'm absolutely delighted about this scheme.
"Dementia is one of my priorities and I really feel it is one of the most important things we face. Northumberland has an ageing population, with the majority of people aged over 50.
"We will do anything we can to assist anyone with dementia as well as their carers and families. Our aim is to improve access to affordable, high quality, and adaptable accommodation for varying levels of need.
“This includes developing accommodation that offers an integrated package which could consist of technology, disability-friendly design, and most importantly, care and support to enable people to continue to live as independently as possible in the community. This extra care development is a welcome contribution to our strategy for meeting the changing needs of our population.”
Data from the 2021 census showed that the median age of Northumbrians had increased from 45 to 48 years old. Meanwhile the number of people aged 65 to 74 years rose by just under 11,200 (an increase of 32.6%).
The supported living scheme will be developed alongside the third and final phase of homes at King Edwards Park, which is regenerating the site of the former St George's Hospital.
Speaking on the decision to award the contract to Vistry, Zoey Hawthorne, assistant director of development delivery at Karbon Homes, said: “This is an exciting milestone for the delivery of this new Extra Care scheme in Morpeth, which will help fill the need locally for high quality, affordable housing that provides residents with the levels of care and support they need to continue living independently.
"Alongside supporting the council with the delivery of its extra care and supported housing strategy, the scheme will have community at its heart, with a bistro café open to the general public and multiple communal lounges and multi-use spaces for activities available to book.”
The Extra Care scheme is to be part-funded by Homes England, through Karbon’s Strategic Partnership with the Government’s housing delivery agency. Northumberland County Council is also funding a contribution to the capital costs.
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