THE Government is spending almost £3million to help fund a housing development for older people.
Housing Hartlepool said the town has been awarded the money from the Department of Health to build the 60 two-bedroomed facility in the Rift House area.
The scheme will include flats for rent, shared ownership and outright purchase and provide hig
h quality accommodation and extra care support services on the site of a former sheltered housing and residential care home.
The services will be flexible and be tailored to the needs and wishes of residents but will include care and support provisions.
The Orwell Walk development will include healthcare facilities and health promotion advice and community services such as a bistro, hairdressing, chiropody, library facilities, laundry, computer suite and the opportunity for people to take part in social activities.
A joint submission led by Hartlepool Borough Council, involving Housing Hartlepool, Hartlepool Primary Care Trust and developer Frank Haslam Milan will receive the Government funding towards the cost of building the flats.
Housing Hartlepool will own and manage the building, while the council and primary care trust will provide support and care services. Housing Hartlepool chief executive Catherine Purdy said: "The new development will be a real boon to older residents as they can retain their independence but still receive support and care if they need it.
"This tremendous facility will be Housing Hartlepool's first extra care facility."
Hartlepool MP Iain Wright said: "I am pleased that the Department of Health has listened and has provided an additional £2.9 million. The town really needs more affordable housing for people requiring additional care.
"This additional investment will provide much needed housing, will provide more community facilities and secure greater care in people's homes."
David Mellor, managing director of Frank Haslam Milan North East, added: "The development will provide an innovative solution to older people's housing in Hartlepool, allowing residents to live as independently as possible."
Nicola Bailey, Hartlepool Council's director of adult and community services, said: "It's an exciting project and one with which we are delighted to be involved. We are very grateful to the Department of Health for the funding which is making it possible."
Housing Hartlepool was set up in March 2004 to take over the ownership and management of the council's rented housing stock following a ballot by tenants.
It is a "not for profit" charitable organisation run by a voluntary board of four tenant members, four council nominees and four independent people.
The company manages 7,000 properties throughout the Hartlepool area and surrounding villages.
