Key representatives from Housing 21, Esh Construction, Gateshead Council, Edwards Architecture, Elliot Associates and Trower’s and Hamlin’s pictured at the Gateshead ground-breaking ceremony.
A ground-breaking and naming ceremony has marked the commencement of work at Clarke Chapman Court - a new Retirement Living development in Gateshead.
Housing 21, a leading national provider of Extra Care and Retirement Living housing, were joined by representatives from Esh Construction, Gateshead Council, Edwards Architecture, Elliot Associates and Trower’s and Hamlin’s. The development is being delivered with grant funding from Homes England.
Also in attendance was nearby Retirement Living resident Margaret, who had named the scheme, Margaret, said “I wanted to name the scheme Clarke Chapman Court because it means something to this area. Clarke Chapman was a major employer here, I worked there myself in the wages office, and so did many of my family.”
Pictured Retirement Living Resident Margaret
Clarke Chapman Court is located on land on Sunderland Road and will comprise 43 one- and two-bedroom self-contained apartments, and 12 one- and two-bedroom bungalows which will all be available to rent for local people over the age of 55. The scheme will enable residents to live independently in their own apartment with access to a spacious residents’ lounge, gardens, buggy store, and an on-site Local Housing Manager. All homes will incorporate low-carbon technology, including air source heat pumps and communal solar panels for the apartments.
Nic Shortland, Delivery Development Manager at Housing 21, said: “We are excited to work with Esh Construction, and in partnership with Homes England, to deliver this new Retirement Living scheme in Gateshead. This development will regenerate the community, with a recently opened new play park located next to Tennyson Court, and will provide much-needed affordable Retirement Living properties to Gateshead”
Laura Devaney, Land & Partnerships Director at Esh Construction, said: “This development is a great example of how collaboration and perseverance can deliver real value to communities. From the start, we recognised the potential of the site - not just to regenerate a disused area, but to create a place where older people can live independently with the support they need.
“It has taken five years to reach this stage which is testament to strong partnerships, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to bringing the development to fruition. We’re proud to be working alongside Housing 21 and our project partners to bring this vision to life for Gateshead.”
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, said:
“Clarke Chapman Court represents so much more than new housing – it’s an investment in our older residents. By combining modern, sustainable homes with a strong sense of community, we are creating a place where people can feel proud to live. This scheme will help older residents remain active and independent for many years to come.