An application has been submitted to Gateshead Council’s planning department for a new Almshouse development on the site of a closed library and recreation ground located on Sunderland Road.
Plans for the new self-contained community include an apartment building with communal facilities and bungalows. The new homes will be managed by an associate charity, King James Almshouses, with the provision intended for local residents of limited financial means aged 55 and above.
Proposals put forward will see the disused library demolished and replaced with 42 high-quality one and two-bedroom apartments, 11 detached and semi-detached bungalows, and a warden’s dormer bungalow. Communal living areas will feature in the apartment building, as well as a hairdressers and laundrette.
The scheme will replace existing sheltered housing on the current Hospital of King James site, located less than one mile east of the proposed new development. The current accommodation is nearing the end of its useful life.
Hospital of King James is being supported by contractor, Esh Construction, who is working in partnership with Edwards Architecture, Portland Consulting Engineers and Humphrey M&E Consultants to bring the development forward. Esh’s Head of Land and Partnerships, Laura Devaney, commented: “Providing improved and affordable accommodation to meet the needs of the charity, its residents and the local community is the main principle behind this development.
“Esh is one of a small number of contractors in the UK who can apply for grant under the current Homes England Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, therefore we will pursue an application for grant to support the scheme’s viability should the planning application be successful.”
Apartments will benefit from natural daylight and open plan living, with some homes including balconies and views of the communal garden areas. The designs include communal gardens and a new private access road, providing safety and security for residents which is currently lacking at their existing premises.
Low carbon technology will be utilised throughout the scheme, with air source heat pumps and solar photo voltaic panels installed to create energy efficiencies for residents.
A grant of £191,399 has been provided by the Community Housing Fund Revenue Programme 2021/22 which is funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). The Community Housing Fund Revenue Programme 2021/22 will increase the supply of affordable housing in England by supporting the community led housing sector to progress schemes to the build phase.
Hospital of King James is Gateshead’s oldest charity, founded by Royal Charter in 1611. The charity has leased the recreation ground to Gateshead Council for public benefit since 1902 and is currently in discussions with the Council regarding the replacement of facilities in order to release the land for development. To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk
