NORTH-EAST housing association Karbon Homes has announced its construction partner for a new retirement living scheme in Ponteland.

Karbon, which owns nearly 30,000 homes across the North-East and Yorkshire, has awarded the contract for its Athol Court development to EQUANS with work expected to start on the site in early 2022.

The £5.5M development will include 34 apartments, with a mix of one and two bed homes available for affordable rent and shared ownership for over 55s.

“We’re delighted to announce EQUANS as the lead contractor for this development and look forward to work getting started in the new year", said Zoey Hawthorne, assistant director of development delivery at Karbon Homes.

“We’ve worked hard to develop a modern scheme which provides high quality, affordable homes, incorporating the comments of the local community to ensure the homes meet their wants and needs.”

The new scheme will replace the former Athol House, Callerton Lane, which was recently demolished.

Karbon said it offered extensive support to the residents of Athol House to help them find suitable, alternative homes.

The new scheme will elevated above ground floor level to ensure flood safety and will be moved from neighbouring properties.

Karbon has the support of Homes England in funding the costs of the project.

Will Kay, regional managing director at EQUANS, added: “We’re delighted to bring our construction and regeneration expertise to this development and are pleased to be making this scheme a reality though our partnership with Karbon Homes.

“The development will provide much needed affordable homes for older people in the area, and we look forward to getting started soon.”