A new Extra Care development for people over the age of 55 in Cookridge is now complete.

Housing 21’s Lady Ida Lodge, which forms part of a Grade II listed building originally built in 1889, will provide much needed housing and care for local older people.

Photo Credit: Chapman Brown Photography

A partnership between Housing 21, Leeds City Council and Esh Construction, meant that work was able to safely continue over recent weeks to deliver the scheme for the community of Cookridge.

Esh Construction adhered to strict Covid-safe working practices on site, including: re-programming works to minimise the number of people on site, staggering shifts and break times, providing full time cleaning services, implementing one-way access to work areas and at all times carrying out modified risk assessments to implement social distancing.

The Extra Care development, supported by Homes England, will offer 64 one and two bedroom apartments for social rent and shared ownership. It has been designed to promote independent living in a community setting, with access to 24/7 on-site care if required. There is a communal lounge and three different communal gardens including woodland area, central courtyard and southern terrace for residents and their visitors to enjoy. Residents will also benefit from a range of on-site facilities, including a café/bistro, which will offer a take away service, and hair salon. All communal areas of the scheme will be made accessible to visitors when it is safe to do so.

Photo Credit: Chapman Brown Photography

Deborah Hope, Head of Development at Housing 21 said: “We are delighted to have completed our second new build extra care scheme in Leeds. The successful delivery of this beautiful but challenging scheme has been the result of positive partnership working between Housing 21, Leeds City Council and Homes England and we are looking forward to delivering more high quality affordable homes for older people of modest means in Leeds. As well as providing much needed extra care homes for local people, we are pleased that this scheme will provide opportunities for local jobs for local people.”

Claire Charlton, Head of Extra Care (North) at Housing 21 said: “We have faced challenges along the way, but no one could have predicted a global pandemic! I am so proud of our teams for ensuring building work could continue safely for those in need of a new home with good quality care and support.

“There is no doubt this scheme is needed in Cookridge; apartments are selling well and there are a few apartments still available for rent. 

We are very pleased residents will start moving in shortly and we are looking forward to welcoming them into their new homes.”

Photo Credit: Chapman Brown Photography

Cllr Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Communities, said: “Delivering quality homes for everyone is part of the Council’s ambition to be a ‘Compassionate City’.

“Extra care developments such as Lady Ida Lodge play a key role in this, by providing suitable housing for our city’s older residents when they require that additional level of support and assistance to be able to maintain their independence.”

Stuart Leslie, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “This development not only creates fantastic new extra care accommodation for Cookridge, it has revived the heritage of the former Cookridge Hospital Ida Wing which closed in 2005. A major refurbishment programme, the construction of a three-storey extension and single-storey link building has brought a building steeped in history into modern 21^st century times. Lady Ida Lodge is a project which we are very proud to have delivered.”

Photo Credit: Chapman Brown Photography