Robertson reaches South Tyneside milestone
The contactor has completed the steel frame on its £31m Griffin Court extra-care scheme in Hebburn, which it is delivering in partnership with Karbon Homes and the council.
Once complete, the development will comprise 95 apartments that are designed to allow residents to live independently but within a supported environment.
Part-funded by Homes England, the scheme will be owned and managed by Karbon Homes, with South Tyneside Council’s Adult Social Care team supporting with the allocation of the apartments.
As well as leading the construction, Robertson Construction North East was responsible for the technical design, drawing on its extensive experience in Modern Methods of Construction particularly in hotel and student accommodation projects.
MMC methods employed by Robertson on the project include using a light gauge steel frame system and prefabricated panels to ensure a lower carbon, more efficient way of building the structure.
Designed by JDDK Architects, the development will have 20 two-bed and 75 one-bed apartments, including 17 specially designed for people suffering with dementia.
Secure internal garden courtyards and a range of communal areas look to encourage safe social interaction, while intuitive layouts, such as no dead-end corridors, will minimise confusion for residents.
Facilities will include a café, hair salon, and flexible activity spaces.
At a steel signing ceremony, Elliot Robertson, chief executive, Robertson Group, said: “Celebrating this milestone in the build is an exciting step towards the delivery of this high-quality extra care scheme.
“Our experience in using innovative Modern Methods of Construction allows us to deliver with efficiency, quality and value for our partners, and it’s great to see this approach shaping such a meaningful project.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The design of this building means it’s right at the heart of the community, with a café and other spaces open to the public, and I think it’s going to be a real asset to Hebburn.
“This is really important to our residents, who’ve told us that they want to be able to continue to live independently for as long as possible rather than going into residential care.”
Zoey Hawthorne, group director of development at Karbon Homes, said: “The scheme is a fantastic example of what we can achieve through partnership working, providing much-needed new homes that meet the needs of not only of Hebburn residents, but of the wider South Tyneside borough.”
