Work begins on new extra care scheme in North Tyneside

A groundbreaking ceremony has marked the start of work on an exciting extra care housing development for older people in North Tyneside. The scheme has received joint-funding from the Homes & Communities Agency (formerly the Housing Corporation) and the Department of Health.

Linskill Park on Linskill Terrace will benefit from an on-site restaurant, hairdressing salon and shop. Residents will also enjoy living in a purpose-built, secure environment that will enable them to maintain their independence.

To mark the occasion the Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, John Harrison, cut the turf on Wednesday 18 March, watched by representatives of North Tyneside Council, Housing 21 and Frank Haslam Milan (FHm), the partners in the project.

Juliette Daniel, development programme manager for Housing 21 said: “We are delighted to be working with North Tyneside Council on this very exciting development for older people. Linskill Park will allow older people to maintain their independence along with the security of round-the-clock care and support if they need it.”

Students from the nearby King Edward’s school also took part in the occasion, having contributed to the naming of the new development. Ryan Esslemont, who suggested Linskill Park was presented with a book token as a thank you.

North Tyneside's elected mayor, John Harrison, said: "This extra care scheme is fantastic news for our residents. It will provide a long-term housing option for older people with a range of needs. This scheme is one of two being developed in North Tyneside through an £14.8million partnership.

"We're also replacing current sheltered accommodation, in a project worth around £100million, showing we're delivering on our promise to provide first class homes for first class people."

David Mellor, Managing Director of FHM North East, added: “Working with North Tyneside Council and Housing 21 we are building homes for older people with a difference. Linskill Park is the next of the partnership’s Extra Care scheme to get underway.

“Through our developments in North Tyneside we are providing independent, safe and secure housing. We recognise that age should not be a barrier to the way people live their lives and our schemes reflect this – they are real alternatives to the more traditional approaches to housing for older people.”

Linskill Park is the second of two new extra care housing schemes to get underway in North Tyneside. Work began last November on a similar scheme in Killingworth as part of a programme to revise care and support services for older people.

Each two bedroom apartment will have its own front door, fully fitted kitchen, walk-in shower and full central heating. The scheme will provide a court manager and a care and support service will be available through the day and night.