North Tyneside Extra Care development is underway

Building work is underway on a new Extra Care Living scheme for people over the age of 55 in North Tyneside.

The new development - on land behind Tynemouth Community Fire Station - is being built by Vistry Partnerships North East for Housing 21, in partnership with North Tyneside Council. It is set for completion in November 2021.

The scheme will provide 64 one and two bedroom apartments for affordable rent to people over the age of 55, as well as a range of services and facilities, including a 24 hour on-site care team for those who need it, a café/bistro, hair salon and communal lounge - which is also available to the local community.

Councillor Gary Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “The benefits of extra care to the residents of North Tyneside is already well proven across the borough. This is another example of how we are supporting our residents to remain independent in purpose built accommodation of the highest standard. We welcome the opportunity to work with Housing 21 on this innovative development.”

Claire Charlton, Head of Extra Care at Housing 21 said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with North Tyneside Council to provide the latest Extra Care scheme.

“Housing 21 is the leading provider of Extra Care across England, providing at least 10 percent of the country’s provision. We will be working closely with the local schools, older people’s groups and the social work teams in North Tyneside to ensure a fully integrated and community feel to the scheme upon opening. We’re glad to continue progress on a very exciting build journey in the area!”

Vistry Partnerships North East unlocked the potential of this enclosed site by agreeing a licence for a piece of unused land, adjacent to Tynemouth Community Fire Station. This allowed access for construction traffic during development, while also providing money for firefighting equipment and safety initiatives.

Sean Egan, Managing Director with Vistry Partnerships North East, added: “We are delighted to have been able to find a solution to unlock and regenerate a technically challenging site that has been dormant for many years. In partnership with Housing 21, we are creating a scheme which will allow people to live independently for longer and also enhance community facilities.”