Griffin Court reaches construction milestone

A North East housing project is set to provide much-needed specialist accommodation following a key construction milestone.

Construction partners behind a new 95-home Extra Care scheme in Hebburn have completed the steel frame, marking significant progress on the £31 million development. 

Lead contractor Robertson Construction North East hosted a steel signing ceremony, where representatives from Karbon Homes and South Tyneside Council signed a commemorative plaque that will be incorporated into the completed building.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, who attended the ceremony along with councillor Ruth Berkley, lead member for adults, health and independence, said: “It’s really exciting to see this development taking shape. 

“The design of this building means it’s right at the heart of the community, with a cafe and other spaces open to the public. 

“This is really important to our residents, who’ve told us that they want to be able to live independently for as long as possible, rather than going into residential care.” 

Elliot Robertson, chief executive at Robertson Group, added: “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.” 

The development, named Griffin Court, will feature 20 two-bed and 75 one-bed apartments, including 17 dementia-friendly units, designed to support residents with additional care needs to live independently.

Architects JDDK have incorporated communal lounges, multi-use activity spaces and a bistro café open to the public, creating a community-focused environment.

The scheme will be owned and managed by Karbon Homes, with South Tyneside Council’s Adult Social Care team overseeing apartment allocations. 

Griffin Court is the first of several Extra Care projects planned by Karbon Homes and South Tyneside Council, addressing the borough’s shortage of specialist affordable housing. 

A second scheme with 124 apartments in South Shields has been approved, with construction starting in November. 

Both developments will be part-funded by Homes England as part of Karbon’s broader delivery of 2324 affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire by 2028, ten per cent of which will be new homes for people requiring additional support needs. 

Zoey Hawthorne, group director of development at Karbon Homes, added: “It’s great to be marking this milestone in progress for Griffin Court. 

“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.” 

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