New £2.7m dementia-friendly housing development to be built in Hartlepool
A new dementia-friendly housing development is being built in Hartlepool thanks to the support of a town charity.
Construction is now underway on a development of 14 almshouse bungalows to support people living with dementia.
The homes have been designed in collaboration with people who have experienced dementia, family carers, dementia specialists and design professionals.
The project is led by Hartlepool charity The Greatham Foundation.
Established in 1273 and formerly known as the Hospital of God, the foundation employs more than 100 staff and delivers a broad range of services aimed at supporting older people, particularly those living with dementia.
Margaret Bousfield, chair of trustees at The Greatham Foundation, said: “This project is driven by compassion and lived understanding.
"By listening to the people who will live here, we’re creating homes that genuinely support independence and belonging.”
The Greatham Foundation marked the milestone with a ground-breaking ceremony at the former Gretton Court Nursing Care Home, in Heather Grove, Hartlepool.
The new site will feature communal areas designed to encourage social connection, reduce isolation and help residents remain active in the local community.
Acomb Construction, of Richmond, in North Yorkshire, has been selected as the main contractor for the development, with Ian Prescott as development lead.
The Heathers Day Centre will remain fully operational during construction and will be closely integrated with the new almshouse scheme to offer residents convenient access to its services and social opportunities.
The development, which is to cost £2.7m, is expected to be completed by October.