Landlord with properties on Hartlepool marina provides free accommodation for NHS workers

ESA Europe, which have serviced apartments around the region for people working away from home, normally provides accommodation for those working in the chemical, manufacturing and engineering sectors.

But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March and many non-key workers were forced to work from home of were furloughed, ESA Europe found themselves with a number of empty apartments.

Wanting to do something to help, the company which has apartments at Hartlepool marina, set aside half of their portfolio to be used free of charge by frontline NHS staff during lockdown.

ESA Europe owner Katrina Rosser said: “Our model lends itself to the lockdown situation. As self-contained apartments, we were able to continue to operate and provide much-needed accommodation to key workers.

“We found that we had empty properties as some guests had gone home where they were able.

“At the same time, we were hearing of NHS workers that were working in difficult conditions and concerned about returning home to their families.”

One couple who are taking advantage of the offer is key worker Josh Dennison and his partner Anna McLeary who is a nurse on a Covid-19 ward.

Josh said: “During the pandemic me and Anna wanted to do what we could to help, but there is obviously a concern when returning home to family.

“We live with Anna’s parents and her father has underlying health issues which would have meant we couldn’t work and return home.

“This opportunity has allowed us to support the effort whilst having the peace of mind that we were not unnecessarily exposing family members to the virus.”

ESA Europe have a portfolio of 27 properties in Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Yarm.

Their client list includes some of the large corporations within the region, such as ConocoPhillips, Sembcorp, Sabic, Lianhetech and Fuji Film.Since the pandemic outbreak they have adopted measures and government guidance including a minimum of 36 hours between any guests stays and deep cleaning.

The housekeeping team undergo temperature checks and are provided with sufficient PPE.

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