Council’s £80m investment programme moves on as Wates hands over final scheme

Developer Wates Residential completed a 156-apartment extra care complex in Hull, marking the conclusion of an £80m investment programme by Hull City Council.

Set to open as Redwood Glades, the new residential scheme is the third and final development to be handed over by Wates following its appointment to lead the construction of the council’s extra care private finance initiative in 2014.

Delivered in partnership with social housing and regeneration specialist, Riverside, the developments collectively bring 316 extra care apartments to Hull, increasing social housing provision in the city.

Redwood Glades, which offers 60 two-bedroom and 96 one-bedroom apartments, will soon open its doors to residents, adding to the 65 apartments at Harrison Park at Hall Road, and 95 apartments at Cecil Gardens at Hawthorn Avenue.

The three new Extra Care developments have been funded by the Department of Health (DoH). Hull City Council was the only local authority in the UK to retain its DoH funding following a Government review in 2010.

Wates said the scheme, designed by Croft Goode Architects, included a local supply chain spend of £43.4m in the delivery of the three developments, of which £6.65m has been with Hull-based subcontractors.

Jo Jamieson, managing director, Wates Residential, said: “Leading the delivery of the three extra care developments in partnership with Hull City Council and Riverside has been extremely rewarding and it gives us a great sense of pride to see the result of our shared vision to create safe, secure and supportive residential developments.

“The partners involved in Redwood Glades, Harrison Park and Cecil Gardens have had one core focus, to encourage independent living amongst the city’s elderly and those living with disabilities, mental health problems or dementia. This has also presented us with a valuable opportunity to support the communities of Hull, with local people benefiting from a host of training and employment initiatives on site.”

Cllr John Black, portfolio holder for housing, said: “I am delighted to see construction work completed at Redwood Glades which will undoubtedly be an incredibly valuable addition to Hull’s Extra Care housing scheme.

“Extra care is a great example of the pioneering future of adult social care, with care, support and housing all under one roof, giving resident’s greater choice, comfort and independence in their own homes.

“This major investment into the area also provides training and job opportunities for local people, which is paramount to the programme.”