Scheme featuring 58 extra care apartments takes shape

Eller Beck Court, a new Extra Care Living development on Raikes Road, Skipton, has moved a step closer to completion with the build reaching its highest point.

A topping out ceremony was held to mark the key milestone for Housing 21’s latest Extra Care scheme, which has been developed in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and Craven District Council.

The Housing 21 team were joined by representatives from Casey Group and North Yorkshire County Council to celebrate the occasion.

Eller Beck Court is Housing 21’s first Extra Care scheme in Skipton and will provide much needed accommodation for local people over the age of 55.

The development is supported by Homes England, and will offer 58 one and two bedroom apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership.

Councillor Jim Clark said: ‘This development will be a great addition to the housing stock of Skipton and is much needed at the present time.

“I was particularly impressed by the proposed restaurant, hair salon and communal facilities and look forward to visited the completed development next year”

Residents will benefit from a range of on-site facilities, including a café/bistro and hair salon, which are also accessible to visitors and the local community. There is also a residents’ lounge, activity room, and communal gardens for residents and their guests to enjoy.

Deborah Hope, head of development at Housing 21, said: “We are delighted to reach this important milestone in the development of Eller Beck Court, our first Extra Care scheme in Skipton.

“Given the backdrop of Covid-19, it has been amazing to watch the team pull together to make sure this much-needed housing is delivered.

“Now, more than ever, it is hugely important that older people in our communities can access high quality housing that is appropriately tailored to their individual needs but is done in such a way that it offers protection and care without them having to  be isolated from a community, during these difficult and ever changing times.”

Bob Preistley, contracts manager for Casey Group said: “After a lot of inclement weather and an extremely difficult spring and summer with the effects of COVID-19 shutting the site for 12 weeks or more, we then had a slow restart getting everyone back and tracking down materials on extended deliveries.

“We are now looking forward to getting the building watertight over the coming weeks and commencing fit out works in earnest.

“Now that scaffolding is starting to be removed on the first wing and partitioning has commenced, we can start to appreciate the finished product and all the hard work which has gone in to resolving the various logistical problems.

“We thank Housing 21 and their team for their continued support during these difficult times and look forward to handing over a finished building to be truly proud of.”

Eller Beck Court is set to open in late spring 2021 and the scheme’s show home will be open from early 2021.

Housing 21 is currently taking expressions of interest from those interested in buying or renting an apartment.