Member Article

A new era in retirement living comes to South Yorkshire with Sky-Lark

PLANS have been submitted to Barnsley Council for a groundbreaking new approach to retirement living in the village of Hoyland.

Hawshaw Bank in Hoyland is the first project from Sky-Lark, a new initiative created by the architects at Sheffield multi disciplinary practice CODA Studios in association with Broadfield Holdings, Crossbow Investments, Knight Knox and Alcove.

This debut development will feature a selection of 40 one bedroom open plan homes, with double height living spaces and communal parking, wi-fi access and full low energy eco-friendly features as standard.

The gated development will also include communal gardens and allotments, a village hall and a host of safety security features.

Prices for properties on the site are expected to range from £99,000 to £115,000 and will be available for sale or to rent.

“Sky-Lark is a new housing initiative by CODA aimed at providing retirement homes in the communities that need them most,” said Crossbow CEO David Cross.

These compact villages will allow communities to right size, down size and remain in their homes for longer. 

“We have also partnered with Tech Care providers and this will allow care packages over the years starting from low touch to physical care on site.”

The Sky-Lark concept has been in development over the past decade and following the launch in Hoyland, a second site is already earmarked for Rotherham.

“We aim to deliver 15 to 20 sites over the next three years predominantly in former mining communities,” said David.

“More than a million homeowners want to downsize but can’t find the right property and yet less than one per cent of UK new build is now bungalows.

“Our research has demonstrated very clearly the need for this style of high quality but affordable development in a market that is ready for expansion.

“And don’t forget too that buy-to-let investment is still an attractive investment class for investors seeking a balanced portfolio.”

Subject to planning approval, work is expected to begin on site in spring 2020.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Highfield .