WORK has begun on a £5.5m housing development for the elderly.

Landlord and developer Karbon Homes was joined by main contractor Tolent on site at St Cuthbert’s Close, in Hexham, as work started on a redevelopment of the site which will see 38 apartments provided for older people in the town.

Karbon plans to provide 20 apartments available for shared ownership and 18 for rent. The development is expected to be ready next autumn.

The project has already seen the demolition of the previous bedsit style flats, along with a pair of semi-detached houses located between St Cuthbert’s Close and Hencotes.

A new entrance to the site which will link residents to Hexham town centre has been created as a result.

The project, designed by architects HMH, has been supported with £2.3m of funding from Home England.

Steve Riding, development contracts manager for Karbon, said: “This is an important site, close to the centre of Hexham, and we are really pleased to be bringing this project forward.

“We are working closely with our contractor Tolent to ensure the construction process goes smoothly, and we minimise disruption for our neighbours.”

Karen Anderson, home ownership and supply specialist at Homes England, said: “Homes England is committed to working with partners who understand the needs of their local community and are striving to build the homes that people want, that help them to live independently and where they want to live.

“It is great to see St Cuthbert’s Close starting on site, and it is a real hive of activity.

“It is an excellent example of what can be achieved working in partnership and will offer residents high quality, well designed and affordable accommodation, whether to rent or to buy on a shared ownership basis.”