Member Article

Scheme manager appointed for new flagship housing development

County Durham housing association Cestria Community Housing has recruited a scheme manager for its brand new flagship assisted living scheme the elms – a £6.5m development of 52 apartments and six bungalows for rent, shared ownership and outright sale.

Sharon Sykes will be the main point of contact for the elms’ new residents as well as managing the building, which is situated near the centre of Chester-le-Street.

Sharon has a wealth of experience when it comes to managing the opening of a new development of this kind.

She has previously worked for other North East housing companies and oversaw the opening of an extra care scheme in Houghton-le-Spring.

Sharon said: “The experience I gained during my previous roles will be invaluable when it comes to the opening and successful running of the elms.

“My focus is on helping to create a really vibrant and positive community, offering help and support when needed while still promoting independence.

“I think the best part of this job will be seeing the difference a scheme like this will make to people’s lives – I can’t wait to welcome the new residents through the doors next month.”

The elms will be owned and managed by Cestria, part of the Isos Housing Group, with properties available for affordable rent, shared ownership and outright sale to people aged 55 and over who have a housing and/or care and support need.

The elms is being constructed by Keepmoat with funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and the Department of Health’s Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund, and with support from Durham County Council.

The apartments and bungalows have been designed to allow residents to maintain their independence as their health needs change, providing self-contained accommodation with access to social, health and wellbeing opportunities provided through on-site facilities.

This innovative new development will offer on-site support, care services and communal facilities including a café, hairdressing salon, IT suite, laundry, community allotment and community exhibition space.

Four semi-detached bungalows have already been released for sale, with reservations made on three. A further 14 two-bedroom apartments and 2 two-bedroom wheelchair adapted bungalows have now also been released for sale.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kelly Elliott .