These nine new bungalows mean the start of a new life for Isos residents in Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle and they are the latest stage of an £11m investment in the area by the company.
The £1.2m phase of construction represents the end of the 9th phase of Isos development on this site, adding up to a total of 113 homes.
Working closely with Newcastle City Council, Isos has effectively built a whole new neighbourhood for older residents in Newbiggin Hall, to help meet local housing needs.
The latest bungalows on Orchard Drive have been built in just under a year by main contractor Able Construction, and all look smart with a new render finish.
The development was designed by Christopher Brummitt architects, with Able supported by Elliotts acting as consultants.
Christine Bowden said her parents Roy and Olwen Hughes, 79 and 81, were very pleased to move into one of the new homes.
She said: “They had their own three bed house nearby, but they could not get up and down the stairs.
“My dad loves the bungalow. It’s all finished off extremely well. It will make it a lot easier for them, all being on one level. They have a dog, and they can still take him for the same walks, to the same places.”
Christine Elsender, 66, has just moved to Orchard Close from Spital Tongues with her eight-year-old cockapoo Jake.
She is pleased to be closer to her family in Westerhope and Chapel House, and to have the benefit of a walk-in shower.
She said: “It’s a lot easier to get to see my family here. They help me out with a lot of things, like getting heavy shopping, and some of the heavier house work.
“I have a beautiful kitchen diner, where you can sit and have your meal, and I also have a really nice driveway for the car, off the road.
“It’s quiet here, no problems, but it’s nice to see people walking past, off to walk their dogs.”
Vince Walsh, development and regeneration manager for Isos Housing, said: “These bungalows offer great quality of life for the new residents, to enable people to remain living in the community, without needing to worry about their mobility issues or negotiating stairs.
“Bungalows are also important in freeing up family homes for other residents to benefit from, and we know from working with the city council how important schemes like this are for the local housing mix.”