New Hartlepool care home could create 100 jobs

A new care home could create 100 jobs and boost bed availability in Hartlepool.
The proposed site for the 93-bed care home.The proposed site for the 93-bed care home.
The proposed site for the 93-bed care home.

Care company Prestige Group is seeking planning permission for a new 93-bed home on land off Merlin Way on the Bishop Cuthbert estate at Middle Warren.

Agents for the scheme say it would create around 100 full and part time jobs in the town on top of construction contracts during its building.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It would also help to boost the availability of care beds which has been affected by several home closures over the last year.

A spokesman for Prestige Group said: “As a Teesside based operator, we continually seek new opportunities within the region and we are very excited about the proposed development and in particular being in the locality of Bishop Cuthbert.

“The Prestige Group has a proven track record of delivering luxury high spec purpose built care facilities which will see high demand for the service.

“We expect that the project will create at least 100 jobs.”

The new care home is intended to be built on a parcel of land near to Silverbirch Road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A design and access statement prepared by agents emBark Architecture states: “The site is undeveloped land located within development limits. It is not currently allocated or safeguarded for any particular use.

“The developer, operator and constructor is the Prestige Group, which already has a significant portfolio of similar establishments, regulated by the Care Quality Commission.”

The statement adds: “The present economic climate imposes severe financial challenges on the commissioning and delivery of social and nursing care services.

“It is even more essential, therefore, that these services are provided effectively and efficiently, with respect for the privacy and dignity of the residents.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The home would comprise of a main North-South facing three-storey wing and a two-storey west wing.

Facilities would include various day rooms, a hairdressing salon, central kitchen and laundry and staff area.

The design statement added: “The development would generate numerous temporary construction jobs for a period of 12-18 months, followed by around 100 permanent full and part-time jobs when the home is operational.

“The majority of staff would be recruited from the local area.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There has been significant pressure on care bed numbers in town due to home closures and previous blocks on new admissions at others.

Admiral Court Nursing Home, in Cleveland Road, closed last June with the loss of 50 nursing beds and 15 vacancies.

In July, Gardner House, in Brierton Lane, was closed by the operators with the loss of 29 residential beds and 15 vacancies.

In October, residents were moved out of Highnam Hall, in Park Avenue after it was rated inadequate by the CQC.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Then over Christmas, 34 residents were moved out of Parkview Residential home in Seaton Carew and Four Winds at West Park after proprietor Matt Matharu was stripped of his registration by the Care Quality Commission.

The council’s Adult Services Committee receives regular updates on an action plan in place to bring about improvements.

At its last meeting earlier this month the meeting heard there was 50 available beds in six homes across town.

In January, MBi Social Care announced it had acquired a care home in the town which it is now renovating to provide a 75-bed specialist dementia care facility, serving the Headland. The expansion plans are hoped to create 100 jobs.