Work commences on new extra care development

Work has now commenced on the steel structure of a new extra care facility, on the former Salford Works site on Bramston Street in Brighouse.

Designed by Brewster Bye Architects, the 65 one and two bedroom apartments for over 55s are being built by energy and regeneration firm, ENGIE.

Set to be completed by 2020, the development will have a host of communal facilities including a kitchen, café, lounges, a hair salon, as well as staff and guest facilities.

The majority of apartments will be let at affordable rent levels and five will be available through a shared-ownership scheme.

Mark Henderson, director at Brewster Bye, said: “Our aim was to re-develop space that is currently derelict and inaccessible and create an attractive street frontage to Bramston Street, Thornhill Road and George Street, reinforcing the sense of place and character of the area, whilst also reflecting the industrial heritage of Brighouse and its influence on the town.

“We responded by applying a mix of contemporary architecture with contextual references to the local limestone buildings that are synonymous with the surrounding area. Combining these traditional stone influences with a modern bronze coloured cladding will create a sympathetic colour palette that reflects the past and present of Calderdale.

“The site is north facing looking towards the viaduct and river, with a significant slope falling from north to south, so it was really important for us to utilise the site characteristics and land levels to accommodate such a unique building, which varies in size from two to six storeys.”

ENGIE is delivering the extra care facility for for one of the UK’s largest providers of housing and supported housing services – Home Group.

Teresa Snaith, head of development (Supported), from Home Group, added: “The delivery team includes older people and people with dementia to give us an understanding of how the facility will be used, along with colleagues with supported housing and specialist mental health backgrounds as well as from Local Authority commissioning environments.

“Crucially everyone involved has delivered extra care housing previously, and have a wealth of experience of the design, development, delivery and management of schemes, with specialism around dementia specific extra care housing.

“There’s no doubt this will result in us creating an attractive yet robust building that is perfect for its setting and the people who will live here. The home will be low maintenance and energy efficient, but most importantly these affordable home will have quality design at their heart.”