Major revamp for city's supported housing scheme

Published by Craig Downs for Keepmoat in Housing and also in Communities

Housing and regeneration specialist, Keepmoat, has been appointed by affordable housing provider Leazes Homes, to redevelop a supported housing scheme for people with mental health issues in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The £1.4 million development on Scrogg Road in Walker will see the current unit, which is a combination of two detached properties constructed in the 1890s, transformed into 16 state-of-the-art one bedroom flats.

The new unit will provide a safe environment for residents to live and each flat will include its own living room, dining space, bathroom and kitchen, ensuring residents have their own privacy and space.

In addition to the flats, there will be a communal lounge, office accommodation for up to three members of staff, private interview rooms and a private communal garden.

The unit, whilst providing support, will help residents living there to be as independent as possible, providing housing that will enable them to establish and maintain their maximum level of independence within the community.  It will be managed by Your Homes Newcastle (YHN).

The building will provide high levels of insulation to improve energy consumption and reduce carbon footprint.  It is also expected to be rated ‘very good’ for its environmental performance and sustainable design.

Keepmoat is one of the contractors that has been refurbishing council homes in Newcastle to bring them up to the Government’s Decent Homes standard.  Recently, Keepmoat and Leazes Homes worked in partnership to develop two highly acclaimed schemes in the city that provide accommodation for people with learning disabilities.

David Ward, Regional Managing Director of Keepmoat North East & Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Leazes Homes to develop this new supported housing unit in the City.

“This new development will provide much needed, high quality accommodation including market leading design features that will deliver the best environment and conditions for people that can often have high support needs.”

Bill Midgley, Chair of Leazes Homes, said: “Leazes Homes is committed to providing high quality, affordable accommodation to people in need and our partnership work with Keepmoat is a fantastic example of how this can be achieved.

“We have already worked together on two very successful supported housing schemes and we look forward to creating even more fantastic homes for those in need with this exciting development.”

Work starts on site in January 2013 and is expected to be completed in January 2014.