A major £16million housing development designed by Stokesley-based architects SPA is to deliver affordable, accessible and luxurious accommodation to the over 55s.
The Castlestead View Extra Care development in Oxenholme near Kendal has been completed by Housing 21, a leading national provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care, in partnership with Cumbria County Council, Homes England, and construction firm EQUANS.
The 104 new homes include accessible, sheltered and supported accommodation, comprising 80 one and two-bedroom apartments for rent and shared ownership and 24 bungalows for sale, with on-site care available for residents, as required.
SPA Architects met the challenge of designing a housing development that had several unique challenges from the start. They were presented with a difficult site with a major slope toward the west, underlying rock and the main west coast railway line located at the west boundary of the site. The railway operator imposed restrictions on the development, which affected working practices and the choice of materials used in construction to ensure that there could be no obstruction of existing infrastructure. The sloping ground required extensive preparation works and the construction of retaining structures before work could begin.
Housing 21 had purchased the land from another developer who had previously obtained planning permission for such development but were unable to deliver the scheme economically. SPA Architects were asked to re-model the Extra Care element of the scheme to suit Housing 21 requirements and to work with EQUANS to ensure an economically viable scheme could be delivered.
What resulted was an ambitious scheme, which was two years in construction and delivered on all its key targets, including accessibility, affordability and solid eco credentials. All apartments are wheelchair accessible, have fitted kitchens, wet room/shower rooms accessible from the main bedroom and entrance hall, a warden call system, a high level of thermal efficiency and tall windows to enable easy external viewing from beds or seated position.
Communal facilities include a large living and activities area, a full catering kitchen with a friendly dining area, buggy store accessible from the outside, hair salon, offices for the scheme manager and care staff, a meeting room, guest suite, assisted bathroom and laundry. Externally there is ample car parking for residents, staff and visitors and a landscaped garden with views onto a meadow and with a seating terrace.
Nigel Peacock, Partner at SPA Architects, said: “We are immensely pleased to have worked with Housing 21 and EQUANS on this challenging but exciting project which is a great testament to all those involved in the project.
“As people age they often lose mobility which can soon lead to living isolated lives in housing that is inappropriate for them. Extra Care Housing can enable older and more vulnerable people to retain their independence but also remain part of a community.
“SPA Architects fully endorse such communities and the benefits they can bring such as releasing family accommodation back into the housing market.”
Deborah Hope, Head of Development at Housing 21, said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with SPA Architects, Cumbria County Council and EQUANS who have successfully completed the construction of Castlestead View. It will provide much-needed, affordable accommodation, with care when required, for the locals in Oxenholme. We can’t wait to start welcoming residents and inviting the local community to enjoy our facilities.”
Extra Care housing enables older people to maintain their independence further into their lives by providing a comfortable and secure environment where they are surrounded by people of the same age group, have facilities on hand and have access to care which can be altered in line with a resident’s changing needs as they get older.
