Leazes Homes continues to address housing demand

Leazes Homes is continuing to support the demand for affordable housing in the region, completing a new development which will promote independent living and regenerate communities in Newcastle.

Napier Street, in the Shieldfield area of Newcastle, provides 15 supported flats for people with learning difficulties and 10 three-bedroom family townhouses – five of which will be  available on a shared ownership scheme.

Leazes Homes worked with Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East, architects Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall (JDDK) Ltd and Newcastle City Council’s Adult Services to build and equip the homes, on the 0.41 acre site of a former respite and day care facility which was demolished in 2008.

The flats provide care and support services for people who have learning disabilities and low level support needs. This enables tenants to establish and maintain their maximum level of independence within the community, but with a 24 hour on site carer service. The building also includes  community space to encourage interaction between tenants, a concierge suite, an office and an interview room.

Ten three-bedroom town houses have also been developed to provide affordable, quality, sustainable housing for families in the city. Five of these properties will be available for sale through the New Build HomeBuy shared ownership scheme.

Bill Midgley, Chair at Leazes Homes, said:

“This is a unique development, supporting mixed communities and people at different stages of their lives.

“We have ensured that our more vulnerable tenants have 24 hour access to care and support, whilst also having a level of independence. The flats have been specifically designed to offer our tenants a safe and modern home which forms part of a bigger and diverse community.

“Creating quality, affordable family homes is also high on the agenda for Leazes Homes. The townhouses have been developed to address the current demand and the shared ownership scheme further supports our aim to create sustainable communities in the region.”

Carolyne Power, Supported Living Coordinator at Newcastle City Council, said:

“From a social services point of view the apartments are astounding. The space and layout is ideal and there is a homely atmosphere when you walk into the building.

“It is another fantastic development. Both the learning disability team and the prospective tenants are absolutely thrilled and delighted with the finished product.”

FHM North East’s managing director Stephen McCoy said:

“We are delighted to have worked with YHN to deliver this important new development.

“This is a unique project that has been built to an incredibly high standard to ensure tenants are able to live independently yet still access support should they require it. At the same time this scheme has also provided much needed family homes in the city.”

JDDK Project Architect, Adam Vaughan, added:

“This is the third of three schemes to provide accommodation for vulnerable adults we have recently worked on with FHM for Leazes Homes. The scheme is designed to fit in with surrounding architecture and promotes independent living with the back-up of 24 hour care on-site if required, whilst the mix of family homes and apartments provides a diverse community.”