Community engagement event on Hull extra care

Hull Extra CareHull residents are invited to a series of events on Thursday (28 January) to find out more about an innovative housing development in the city and have their say on artwork which will feature there.

In partnership with Hull City Council, Riverside and Wates Living Space Homes are building three extra care facilities across the city – Harrison Park at Hall Road; Cecil Gardens at Hawthorn Avenue and Redwood Glades at Leads Road.

The facilities are for people with care needs, including working age people with disabilities, mental health needs and dementia; as well as older people.

As part of the £80 million developments, funding has been set aside for public art across the three sites and subsequently Riverside have engaged six artists across a number of themes. The proposed concepts include reception desks, sitooteries and vinyls, which will reflect the history of the city while providing reference points for the residents.

Residents will be able to learn more about the development and the arts strategy at the following events:

  • Edinburgh Street Community Centre, Woodcock Street, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU3 5AR 10.30am – 12.30pm
  • The Orchard Centre, Orchard Park Road, Hull, HU6 9BX 1.30pm – 3.30pm
  • The Reading Rooms, Sutton Sports & Leisure Rooms, 17 Church Street, Sutton, Hull HU9 1DU 4pm – 7pm

Councillor Helena Spencer, portfolio holder for adult social care, said: “There is a growing demand for support for people with care needs in the city but our social care budget is under enormous strain as we are up against Government-imposed cuts.

“I’m proud that working in partnership with organisations such as housing association Riverside we are delivering this exciting new option for support to those who need it and in the process helping to ease the pressure on the already overstretched NHS.”

Sarah Knapp, Riverside’s PFI Contract Manager, added: “The schemes will provide more housing choices to people in Hull including alternatives to moving in to residential care, enabling people live to independently in their own homes. But they are unique in that they cater for anybody over the age of 18 with care needs rather than only people aged 55 and over like most extra care schemes. Just like a typical community, people of different ages will live side by side, each with their own home but with communal facilities to socialise together.

“We are looking forward to sharing our progress and the arts strategy with neighbours of the schemes.”

The 316 one and two bedroom apartments are due for completion in 2016/17.