A £2.3 million scheme which will refurbish and remodel an existing retirement living scheme in Corbridge is set to commence shortly as Esh Construction is named as contractor.
Located on Newcastle Road, the Howden Dene retirement scheme was originally built in 1890 and currently houses 12 apartments in the building and various communal living spaces on the property.
The development has been brought forward by Anchor and will see the building upgraded and reconfigured to provide 14 retirement living apartments, all for affordable rent to local people.
Esh Construction has been appointed as design and build contractor and will work in partnership with Anchor to deliver the scheme.
Chris Hale, pre-construction director at Esh, said: “This development marks the first contract we have secured via Anchor’s four-year framework for retirement living.
“We have extensive experience in the renovation of both heritage and listed buildings – retaining key features which are in keeping with the character and history of the building will be of utmost importance throughout this scheme. We look forward to getting work underway.”
Claire Anderson, Anchor’s director of regeneration and partnership, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Esh Construction to renovate Anchor’s Howden Dene. It’s a beautiful building and we have no doubt it will be an excellent home for residents who love living in later life!”
Work will include full strip out and asbestos removal, kitchen and bathroom replacement, mechanical and electrical upgrades, including a new lift, and the installation of timber sash windows. Existing partition walls will be altered, and new walls constructed which will create additional apartments and a guest suite.