Member Article

MP praises 'Grand Design' of new homes in Corbridge

New homes for older people in Corbridge have been praised by local MP Guy Opperman as belonging in the TV series ‘Grand Designs’, as he officially opened the development today.

Trinity Court has been developed by social landlord Isos Housing on a site at the western edge of the upmarket village, with fantastic views across Tynedale.

The three storey, £2.1m scheme has 16 flats, with 10 for rent and six available to buy on a shared equity basis.

Mr Opperman, Conservative MP for Hexham, said: “It feels like we’re in the middle of Grand Designs. There is nothing like this in Tynedale, there really isn’t.

“Kevin McCloud could pop out at any moment.

“I want more housing in Northumberland, and the Trinity Court project is a very good example of the right sort of housing project that we need.”

The new building has been specifically designed to keep residents’ living costs down. Solar panels heat water before it enters the residents’ hot water systems, to minimise the amount of gas needed to heat it.

And a gas powered under floor heating system is paid for through a fixed service charge, so residents never have to worry about the cost of turning up their heating on a cold day.

Mr Opperman added: “As the Newcastle University Ageing Well Project makes clear, it’s vital that housing for the ageing population is at the heart of the community, and this project really is at the heart of this community. It’s only a couple of minutes’ walk from the local pub and the shops.

“This is exactly what the university project advises future homes for older people should be.”

The new building, designed by HMH Architects, is faced in render and stone, with large double glazed windows, and meets Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 standards.

Isos worked with contractor Turney Wylde and consultants Hall & Partners and 3E on the £2.1m Trinity Court scheme, which replaces an outmoded 1960s development of the same name.

The development has been supported by over £600,000 from the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) through its Affordable Homes Programme.

The old Trinity Court flats on Roman Way in Corbridge did not meet modern standards, and it was not possible to adapt them, so Isos decided to demolish the building and redevelop the site.

Keith Loraine, chief executive of Isos, said: “The new Trinity Court has banished old fashioned ideas of what affordable housing looks like. What we have created here is a stunning new building with a contemporary style, and it allows low cost sustainable living thanks to its innovative features.

“We hope everyone appreciates the design and style of this development and understands why we made the decision to redevelop the site in the way we did.”

Just months since the development opened, the residents have already developed a strong sense of community, meeting up regularly for social events, and forming a Friendship Group.

Ron Thornton, 78, moved to Trinity Court with his wife Ann, from a house in Riding Mill which had become ‘too big with too big a garden.’

He said: “Everybody who comes to visit us here, the first thing they say is ‘Wow’. It’s just a lovely place to come to.”

Marian Moon, 74, who was widowed last year, moved from a three bedroom family home in Hexham. She said: “I love living here. My daughter lives just round the corner, so she watched the flats being built. It’s lovely, people are so friendly, and there is lots going on every day.”

The building sits in a very attractive setting, looking out over open fields to the west of Corbridge.

Alison Urquhart, older persons manager for Isos Housing, said: “Several of our new residents are local Corbridge people, and one couple who previously lived in the old Trinity Court have moved into the new building.

“It has a really friendly atmosphere, and the residents are already a strong community. “They hold regular fish and chip lunches, have enjoyed growing veg in the new garden, and have held a very successful Summer Fair – as well as going on several social trips out.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Isos Housing Group .