Member Article

Riverside partners with Galliford Try in major extra care housing scheme for Washington

Riverside, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, has received planning permission to build a 79 apartment extra care housing scheme on the site of a former derelict nightclub on Spout Lane, Concord, Washington.

This extra care scheme is an exciting development brings together a partnership between Sunderland City Council, Riverside, The Homes and Communities Agency and construction partner Galliford Try Partnerships North. This is the second extra care housing scheme to be developed in Washington as part of the City’s extra care housing programme.

Julie Gray, Riverside said “These new apartments will support our priority to ensure that services, choice and independence are available for older people. It will offer them independent living in a home of their own with other services on hand if they need or want them”.

The scheme will provide self-contained one and two bedroom apartments for rent to support people to live at home independently for longer. A care team will operate 24/7 to deliver care and support tailored to meet the needs of the individuals living in the scheme.

The scheme will also become a community hub to encourage social and wellbeing opportunities for residents and people living in Concord and Washington. The communal areas will include a lounge, café / restaurant, hair salon and landscaped gardens.

The former London Inn nightclub has been subjected to repeated arson attacks for a number of years since it became empty and boarded up. The building will now be demolished to enable development of the extra care scheme to begin.

Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health Housing and Adult Services, Councillor Graeme Miller said: “It is great that Washington will benefit from another extra care housing scheme.

“I have seen these schemes in operation, and continue to be overwhelmed by the positive changes the accommodation and the services it provides can bring to the people living there. I can’t wait to see the development start, it will be a positive addition to Concord’s already established local community.”

The scheme will be built by Galliford Try and managed by Riverside who will be responsible for its day to day operation and the provision of care and support services within the scheme.

Stephen McCoy, Managing Director with Galliford Try Partnerships North added “We very much look forward to working with Riverside on this exciting project which will bring a semi-derelict site back into positive use whilst improving the quality and choice of homes for older people in the area.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .