New Homes Created At Housing Scheme

Published by Andrew Young for South Tyneside Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Two new homes for social rent have been created at a housing scheme for over 55s in South Tyneside.

South Tyneside Homes has transformed former staff accommodation at Huntcliffe House, Whiteleas, into a two storey apartment with a private garden. Ground floor office space has also been converted into a spacious one bedroom apartment.

Both homes have access to the supported housing scheme's communal facilities, including a lounge, a newly installed hairdressing suite and laundry room.

Mark Whittle, Director of Investment at South Tyneside Homes, said: "We are committed to providing a range of housing options at the supported housing schemes we manage. The new homes that have been created at Huntcliffe House will offer people over 55 the chance to live independently, but still have access to any support needed and fantastic on-site facilities.

"Through re-locating the office from the ground floor to the first floor, we have been able to create a homely apartment that is easily accessible. As our Supported Housing Officers no longer have to live on-site, we had the opportunity to transform the former staff accommodation into an apartment for social rent. This home has two upstairs bedrooms, a large kitchen and dining area, and a newly refurbished bathroom."

The housing company's Property Services Team completed the conversions while delivering Decent Homes work to all apartments and communal areas at the scheme.

Improvements to the 33 individual apartments included the installation of new kitchens and bathrooms with walk-in showers, as well as electrical rewiring work.

The communal areas were also refurbished and a scooter store was created from an existing brick garage. Corridors have been made brighter with new lighting and colour coded front doors were installed to meet current DDA regulations.

Maria Smith, who has lived at the scheme for 21 years, said: "I have absolutely no complaints about the work and I got on well with the team. It's all been worth the wait."

Ron Fulton added: "The lads were great and they would do anything for you. All of the work was done very quickly and to a high standard."

The improvements at Huntcliffe House have also been praised by local ward councillors Ernest Gibson and Bill Brady.

Councillor Brady, who is also Lead Member for Housing, said: "After speaking with the tenants and visiting the scheme itself, I would like to personally praise the excellent workmanship shown by the team from South Tyneside Homes. The tenants are so pleased with the improvements and that is what it is all about, giving people decent homes where they feel safe and happy."

Councillor Gibson said: "The workmanship has been absolutely fantastic and South Tyneside Homes has delivered a truly excellent project. The tenants are over the moon with the improvements to their homes and I hope the team continues to deliver this high standard of work across the other supported housing schemes in the borough."

South Tyneside Homes manages and maintains over 18,000 Council homes, including 36 supported housing schemes. The Decent Homes Programme is now being delivered at a further six schemes, including Calf Close House in Jarrow and Patrick Cain House in South Shields.

Mark Whittle said: "Levels of satisfaction have been consistently high across all of the supported housing schemes that have benefited from the Decent Homes Programme so far. Our Property Services Team works in close partnership with the Supported Housing Team to build up strong relationships with the tenants and ensure disruption is kept to a minimum."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the housing options available for over 55s can contact Dianne Scott, New Tenancy Sheltered Officer, on 0300 123 6633.