Luxury apartments created by North Tyneside Council have welcomed new tenants.
All 49 contemporary retirement apartments at Mayfield Park, Battle Hill, are full after residents moved in earlier this month.
The complex has been created as part of North Tyneside Council’s £300m North Tyneside Living project, which will see more than 920 modern, independent living homes created at 26 sites across the borough, by 2017.
Mayfield Park has replaced the old traditional retirement buildings in Battle Hill, bringing previous residents together in one state-of-the-art complex.
Each apartment benefits from a modern kitchen and wet room, and every home has either Juliette balconies or patio doors to access the shared landscaped garden.
One of the new residents is Nan Heron, aged 82, who said: “I can’t put into words how wonderful my apartment is – I’m ecstatic – it really is a dream come true.
“It has all the mod cons, it’s much bigger than where I was living before, and the whole complex is bright and roomy.
“There are also activities for me to join in with, should I wish. I’ve already taken IT lessons, which were great.
“For our life time, it’s the most wonderful thing. It has given me a new lease of life.”
North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn added: “I’m delighted the residents at Mayfield Park are so pleased with their new homes. The interest we’ve had in this development and the others in the borough has been amazing.
“Creating these luxurious, vibrant and modern homes was something residents asked for, and something that I promised to do, so I’m really pleased with all the fantastic feedback we’ve had.
“For the council, it was never just about putting up buildings; we’ve really thought about how to make these apartments perfect for our older residents, making sure they can live independently for longer.
“The North Tyneside Living homes are so different to traditional sheltered accommodation; they’re contemporary and stylish but also thoughtfully and sensitively adapted to make life easier for tenants.
“I’m extremely pleased that the project is progressing so well; we’ve now completed nine buildings and we’re currently underway with creating or refurbishing 17 more.”
Each North Tyneside Living project scheme, which are available to rent for anyone over 60, boasts a therapy room/beauty salon, communal living space, a guest apartment where family and friends can stay, and there are organised activities and outings for those who wish to take part.
Weekly rent includes heating and water costs, building and garden maintenance, Wi-Fi, plus the services of a housing officer.
The scheme to modernise North Tyneside’s sheltered housing accommodation is being delivered by Galliford Try.
For more information, visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk or call 0345 2000 102.