Roof complete on £5.5m Retirement Living development in the heart of Hexham

(Photo caption: Rebecca Bewick, development contracts officer for Karbon Homes, Harry Twizell, site manager for Tolent, Chris Price, regional director of Tolent, and Ged Walsh, development director for Karbon Homes.)

The new St Cuthbert’s Close development of Retirement Living apartments in Hexham, Northumberland, has been officially ‘topped out’ today.

Representatives of landlord Karbon Homes and main contractor Tolent visited the site to complete the highest point on the roof – and see for themselves the fantastic views across Hexham which new residents will be able to enjoy.

The comprehensive redevelopment of the site has seen the demolition of the previous 1960s bedsit style flats, and two adjacent semi-detached homes, to make way for 38 high specification apartments for older residents.

Karbon is aiming to build homes to suit all sections of the community in Hexham, with 20 apartments available for Shared Ownership, and 18 for rent. The apartments are mainly two bedroom homes, with 10 one bedroom properties.

The building will be accessed from a new entrance for the site on Hencotes – linking the future residents of the building into all the shops, cafes and restaurants available in Hexham town centre, and also allowing easy access for visitors.

The project, designed by architects HMH, has been supported with funding from the Homes England, the government’s housing agency.

Ged Walsh, director of development and asset management for Karbon Homes, said: “This is an important milestone for the construction of this wonderful new development.

“Now everyone can see the scale of this building, and you get a real sense of how it will look when it’s finished later this year.

“We are looking forward to welcoming residents into their new homes, and we want to thank our neighbours for their patience during the construction process.”

Chris Price, regional director for Tolent, said: "Fantastic to be on site today, taking in the incredible views across the town and appreciating the quality of work our team has produced on site.

"It's always rewarding to know that we’re contributing to something hugely positive and needed by the local community, creating high quality homes that will be here for many years to come."

Dilys Jones, Head of Home Ownership and Supply for Homes England in the North East added: “We’re pleased to see these much-needed new homes in Hexham draw a step closer.

“Homes England is committed to investing in shared ownership and rented homes that help older people remain independent and living at the heart of their communities – that’s why we’re supporting St Cuthbert’s Close with a £1.67m grant through our Affordable Homes programme.”

Work on St Cuthbert’s Close is being led by Karbon with Tolent as main contractor, supported by consultants Hall and Partners and 3E Consulting Engineers

The new homes on the St Cuthbert’s Close site will form part of Karbon Homes’ regionwide development programme which will see the business invest in providing at least 500 new homes a year throughout its five year ‘Strong Foundations’ strategy.

The organisation provides a range of ways for customers to access homes, from homes to buy and shared ownership, to Affordable Rent housing, social rent homes and supported and specialised housing.

For more information on the new apartments at St Cuthbert’s Close, contact Karbon on 0808 164 0111.