Trevelyan Court – a room with a view for older people in Newcastle

Accommodation for older people in Newcastle has been given a boost thanks to the launch of Trevelyan Court, a development of high quality flats and bungalows for those with extra care needs. Trevelyan Court, which was built on the site of the former Teasdale House sheltered housing scheme in Newbiggin Hall, is the first of several similar projects developed by affordable housing provider Leazes Homes, in partnership with Newcastle City Council. It was officially opened today by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr George Pattison, at a reception attended by Catherine McKinnell MP and many of Trevelyan Court’s excited new residents. The site originally housed Teasdale House, a block of 36 bedsits that did not meet the needs of older people. Leazes Homes acquired the site from Newcastle City Council in 2013 and worked with Wates Living Space, Newcastle City Council and YHN on every aspect of the building’s design to create the £3.8m Trevelyan Court. The development will be managed by Your Homes Newcastle. Bill Midgley, Chair of Leazes Homes, said: “Trevelyan Court is a beautiful complex in the heart of the very strong community of Newbiggin Hall, which will offer 21^st century living accommodation and support services.  It has been carefully designed to meet a range of care needs and provide a supportive environment, while at the same time encouraging independent living. “Local residents and organisations who work with older people in Newcastle have fed into the process of designing and building Trevelyan Court and this has led to some lovely touches – from a licensed restaurant open to the public to hireable community spaces and a small library, all of which helps to encourage the wider community to engage with residents and vice versa. “High quality accommodation for those with additional support needs is extremely important, particularly as we have an aging population here in Newcastle. Trevelyan Court offers a value for money alternative to the increasing costs associated with residential care, which reduces pressures on council budgets and the purse strings of those requiring support, while at the same time offering peace of mind that residents are in safe hands.” Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell said: “It was an absolute pleasure to join Trevelyan Court residents at the opening of their fantastic new facility today. “We’re all living longer and we all know this is going to present us with a number of challenges. However, I firmly believe that older people are a true asset to society who should be supported to enjoy a fulfilled, active and healthy retirement. The tailored support and facilities available at Trevelyan Court should help to do just that.” Trevelyan Court includes 36 apartments spread over 4 floors, with many benefitting from panoramic views to the Cheviot Hills and beyond, and four self-contained bungalows, two of which have direct access to a communal garden. Over 30 of the properties are already allocated and the Reverend of neighbouring St. Wilfrid’s Church has been looking into using Trevelyan Court’s community facilities, which provide much more space than the church is able to alone. Lord Mayor of Newcastle and Ward Councillor for Woolsington, Cllr George Pattison, said: “I am delighted to have been asked to open Trevelyan Court as this really is a fantastic development. With a licensed restaurant, a small library and apartments with views of the Cheviot Hills, I am sure people will be queuing up to live here. “It’s a great example of what high quality accommodation can be built when the council, developers and residents all work together and it’s brilliant to see it rise like a phoenix in the area I represent.” Mick Holling, Interim Regional Managing Director of Wates Living Space, commented: “The Extra Care model offers secure and comfortable homes while promoting independent living. It’s a pleasure to see the new Trevelyan Court development now open and the first residents settling in. Wates Living Space is well practiced in delivering schemes of this nature and is pleased to be updating the city’s housing provision for the elderly in partnership with Leazes Homes. We hope that the residents enjoy their new homes.” Trevelyan Court is the first of three extra care schemes that will be developed by Leazes Homes in partnership with Newcastle City Council and Your Homes Newcastle. It will soon be followed by the opening of Kilbourn House near Kenton, and then a development on the Fossway in the east end of the city Anyone who is interested in living at Trevelyan Court should contact the Care at Home Team on 0191 278 8585.