The first shovels are in the ground for a new housing development in Ashbrow, which will help people with extra care needs live independently.
What benefits will the extra care scheme bring?
‘Extra care’ housing schemes are about giving extra care and support to those who need it, while still helping maintain their independence. It also helps to reduce social isolation by helping its residents remain part of an active community.
Ashbrow will be our fourth extra care scheme in Kirklees. Building upon our existing schemes being located in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike.
What will the extra care housing scheme look like?
These schemes are groups of self-contained, rented homes alongside shared communal facilities (like cafés and hairdressers).
Part of a wider housing development, the new scheme at Ashbrow will consist of 50 high quality one- and two-bed apartments.
What does the wider housing development look like?
The extra care scheme will sit alongside a further 111 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.
Of these homes, 98 will be for market sale, and 13 will be affordable homes.
There will also be 10 homes under the ‘First Homes’ pilot scheme. Therefore opening up more affordable new homes to the local community, sold at 70% of the open market value with Homes England funding the other 30%.
Who is involved in the work?
The new development in Ashbrow will be owned and managed by the council.
The scheme is being constructed by Equans Regeneration, who specialise in green solutions, on our behalf. The wider housing development is being constructed by Keepmoat.
We are piloting the ‘First Homes’ scheme in partnership with Homes England.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet member for Growth & Regeneration, says:
“I’m pleased to see this new development delivering a much-needed extra care scheme for Kirklees residents. Kirklees Council is working with housing developers on this scheme and will ensure the development reflects the needs of our local communities whilst helping to achieve market demand is met for new homes on a local and national level. Extra care homes are an important part of our housing strategy, ensuring we have homes and accommodation for residents of all ages allowing them to live independently longer.”
Councillor Cathy Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing & Democracy, says:
“The new Ashbrow extra care scheme will provide high quality housing for older people who require additional care and support to live independently for longer in their own home. Schemes like this are essential in supporting Kirklees residents, and I look forward to seeing the development progress.”
Haydn Tomlinson, Land & Partnerships Manager at Keepmoat Homes, says:
“Keepmoat Homes are delighted to be delivering this development in partnership with Kirklees Council, this multi-tenure development will offer much needed, new affordable homes for a wide range of local people. The new homes, extra care facility and green open spaces throughout, will add to the rich character of the local area.”
Sean Corcoran, Regional Director at Equans, says:
“We are delighted to be working with our partners to create these much-needed new homes in Kirklees, which will enable residents to live independently in their community, with the security of care and support on site as and when they need it. Extra care schemes always prove popular with local people, and I’m sure this development will be no different.”