Work has started on a £27m mixed homes development in Newcastle, with Newcastle City Council, Leazes Homes, Your Homes Newcastle and construction specialist, Keepmoat, pledging to provide housing and care solutions for all generations.

The new development in Dinnington will support the housing aspirations of a number of groups of people from first time buyers wanting a foot-hold on the housing ladder, existing home owners who want a bigger property, right though to older people who require support and care to enable them to continue living in the community.

Keepmoat will develop 133 two, three and four bedroom homes, plus five dementia care bungalows, 22 older persons’ apartments, four general needs apartments and four older persons’ bungalows.

Bill Midgley, Chair of Leazes Homes, added: “Leazes Homes has a strong track record of working in partnership with Keepmoat and Newcastle City Council to realise our collective vision for the city. Our dementia care bungalows follow a similar development we’re working on with the same partners in Throckley and add to the wide range of supported accommodation available to all generations from Leazes Homes across Newcastle.

“As increasing numbers of people are diagnosed with a form of dementia, it is vital that we have relevant accommodation and services in place to help. We’re particularly proud to be responding to the latest research around how design can support those living with this heart-breaking disease and hope to offer some comfort to those affected and their families.

“However, more needs to be done to respond to the changing needs of our communities as our population continues to age.”

Richard Bass, managing director for Keepmoat in the North East said: “It’s important that we remember the provision of more homes is not exclusively linked to the first time buyer market.  We have a responsibility to offer bespoke choices for people at all stages of life and we’re thrilled to be partnering Leazes Homes, Your Homes Newcastle and the Council to drive forward the ambitions for Fairer Housing in Newcastle.”

Lord Mayor Councillor Ian Graham, commented: “This is great news for the local area, providing the right mix of housing to support the needs of our communities, which brings much needed housing through a dedicated partnership with a strong track record.

“This is an ambitious project which certainly sets the bar for other developments across the city. I look forward to seeing it developing in the coming months.”

For more information regarding Keepmoat, please visit keepmoat.com.