Esh begins Gateshead senior living scheme
Work is underway on a £12.4m retirement community off Sunderland Road after the property firm secured the land required.
The project will be delivered in partnership with Housing 21 and will transform the site of a former disused library, which closed in 2017, into a community for residents aged 55+.
Esh’s project team includes Edwards Architecture, Portland Consulting Engineers, Primas Law, and Humphrey M&E Consultants.
Named Clarke Chapman Court, the development will feature 43 apartments and 12 bungalows consisting of 45 one-bed and 10 two-bed properties, all designed as pet-friendly.
Ahead of demolition works starting, Esh Construction has created a new play park next to Tennyson Court to replace the old facility on the Sunderland Road site – fulfilling a key planning condition from the council.
Laura Devaney, land & partnerships director at Esh Construction, said: “This development is a great example of how collaboration and perseverance can deliver real value to communities.
“From the start, we recognised the potential of the site – not just to regenerate a disused area, but to create a place where older people can live independently with the support they need.
“It has taken five years to reach this stage which is testament to strong partnerships, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to bringing the development to fruition. We’re proud to be working alongside Housing 21 and our project partners to bring this vision to life for Gateshead.”
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Clarke Chapman Court will include communal gardens and a new private access road, while low carbon technology will be utilised throughout the homes, with air source heat pumps and solar PV panels.
Nic Shortland, delivery development manager at Housing 21, said: “We are excited to work with Esh Construction, and in partnership with Homes England, to deliver this new retirement living scheme in Gateshead.
“This development will regenerate the community, with a recently opened new play park located next to Tennyson Court, and will provide much-needed affordable retirement living properties to Gateshead”
County Durham-headquartered Esh has brought the site forward through its land-led development solution whereby Esh sources developable land and conducts technical, design and construction assessments to pave the way for new build affordable homes in partnership with registered providers.
Initial discussions began over five years ago, with Esh engaging with the Hospital of King James charity and Gateshead Council to explore redevelopment opportunities. The site, previously owned by the brethren, was identified as more worthwhile for full redevelopment rather than refurbishment.
Cllr Chris Buckley, cabinet member for housing at Gateshead Council, said: “Clarke Chapman Court represents so much more than new housing – it’s an investment in our older residents. By combining modern, sustainable homes with a strong sense of community, we are creating a place where people can feel proud to live.”
While plans were initially given the green light in August 2023, a planning amendment was sought in early 2025 to enable construction work to get underway.
In addition to the delivery of a new play park, Esh is also repairing the boundary wall, adjacent to the Gateshead East Cemetery, which involves the installation of a gabion wall to improve the wall’s structural integrity.
Completion of the project is expected in spring 2027.
