Newcastle Labour is delivering 20 new affordable and accessible homes in Newburn as part of its commitment to give residents with learning disabilities greater choice and independence.
Work is now under way on the £4 million specialist housing development at Park Road, which is being delivered through a partnership between Newcastle’s Labour-led council and housing provider Bernicia.
The development will provide a purpose-built building containing 15 apartments alongside five bungalows, with all 20 homes available at affordable rents.
Newcastle City Council commissioned the scheme and selected Bernicia to deliver the homes following a competitive tendering process, with the council also providing grant funding towards the development alongside Homes England.
Labour wants Newcastle’s housing programme to provide homes for people with a wide range of needs, ensuring investment in new housing includes specialist and accessible accommodation as well as general-needs homes.
The Park Road development has therefore been designed specifically around the needs of people with learning disabilities.
Homes will be accessible and adaptable, with specialist technology helping residents live as independently as possible.
Residents will also have access to on-site care and support, while shared social space will provide opportunities for people to meet their neighbours and build a community.
The scheme will give residents the security and independence of having their own home while ensuring appropriate support is available when they need it.
Labour’s investment in Park Road forms part of the council’s wider work to increase housing choice across Newcastle and ensure people with disabilities are able to live independently within their own communities.
North East contractor Tolent is building the new homes, with completion expected in summer 2022.
Cllr Linda Hobson, Newcastle City Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “The council is committed to working in partnership to deliver a range of housing options that meet the diverse needs of all our residents.
“This scheme will provide affordable, accessible housing for people with learning disabilities and I am looking forward to seeing these homes completed and meeting the residents when they move in.”
For Newcastle Labour, providing good-quality housing means making sure the right homes are available for every stage of people’s lives and for residents with different support needs.
The 20 new homes at Park Road are another step towards that goal, combining affordable housing, accessibility and specialist support to give people with learning disabilities greater independence and choice.