A new multi-million-pound project set to provide residential accommodation for people with dementia in North Tyneside. In partnership with Northumberland Estates, Age UK and North Tyneside’s subsidiary company EveryDay homes, Brims Construction were appointed as main contractor under a JCT D&B contract to construct the new facility in Backworth. Situated on a three-acre site adjacent to the A19 in Backworth, the development provides housing for 40 people living with dementia or other cognitive impairment.
The buildings are phased into 3 units and are made up of a large two storey building, comprising of 28 extra care apartments for a mix of individuals and couples and communal living spaces. As well as two 6 bed care bungalows specially designed to accommodate up to twelve individuals who may present more complex needs. The scheme involved the general construction of the care home and bungalows, hard and soft landscaping, associated services and drainage and car parking facilities. Dementia Care facilities require specialist design and the use of bespoke products to ensure that the residents are safe in their homes, Brims worked closely with Age UK and Everyday homes to develop the design and make sure that each apartment exceeded the requirements of our client. The bungalows required additional medical considerations when we were developing the design, due to the complex needs of the patients and the level of medical equipment the carers required access to.
The site is close to a high voltage pylon, this required close consultation with the HSE and following their technical guidelines around working safely near electricity pylons and overhead power lines.
Located in a highly residential area, our site team worked tirelessly to ensure the neighbouring residents were not disrupted, we communicated at key stages of the programme via newsletters, detailing progress on how the development was coming on and what was going to happen next. The external landscaping was developed sympathetically to provide residents with a safe outdoor environment they could relax in and enjoy the outdoors, promoting wellbeing for both residents and staff. The project benefits from the use of solar PV on the roof of both the main building and the bungalows, enhancing the sustainability credentials of the buildings and the resident’s benefitting from reduced energy bills.