The Mayor of South Tyneside has officially opened a £6m housing complex for older people.
Councillor Olive Punchion unveiled a plaque to mark the formal opening of the Riverside Apartments, on River Drive, South Shields.
Construction of the 50-home development for older people was completed last September and all of the two-bedroomed apartments are now occupied.
The scheme for the over 55s was delivered by independent, not-for-profit housing company, South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust, in partnership with leading regeneration specialist Galliford Try Partnerships North.
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Olive Punchion, said: “I am delighted to be opening this development.
“These are great, modern apartments in a fabulous location overlooking the river and it’s no surprise that they were all snapped up so quickly.
“I am also pleased that there is a built-in domestic sprinkler system which will keep the tenants safe.
“It’s a real asset for the Borough and helps meet the need for quality housing for older people.”
The apartments were designed for independent living with older and disabled tenants in mind.
Jess Todd, 87, moved into the development in October and lives alone.
She said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying living here. I was housebound in my previous property because there were steps but this is level access so it’s ideal and gives me a lot more independence.
“I love the location and it’s very friendly – everyone who comes in and out has a smile and a hello.”
With the opening of this development, The Ventures Trust now has around 300 homes built and occupied and is well on track to achieving its vision of delivering 400 new homes in its first five years.
Alexandra Ross, Business Development Manager with Galliford Try Partnerships North, said: “We are pleased to have, once again, worked with the trust on a development which improves the quality and choice of homes for people of the North East.
“This is one of the core aims of our business and increasingly we are forging partnerships with the housing providers to create modern, safe and eco-friendly new neighbourhoods for communities across the region.”
The project received £1.35m grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency’s Affordable Homes Programme.
