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28 April 2026

£19 million Workington affordable housing and extra care scheme invites public to community open day

Riverside news Press Release

A new £19 million affordable housing and extra care scheme in Workington will open its doors to the public for a community open day on Thursday 7 May.

Open since February 2026, Harbour Place offers 107 homes for people with extra care needs and those aged over 55. The site comprises 79 extra care apartments and 28 social housing bungalows as well as a range of communal facilities that are open to the public including a café, restaurant and hairdressing salon.

View across a marina with small boats moored along the water in the foreground. A modern multi‑storey residential building stands behind the quay, with trees and parked cars nearby under a pale sky. As demand for extra care services and housing for older people continues to grow, Harbour Place will hold an open day on Thursday 7 May for anyone interested in living at the development.

The site has already welcomed more than 60 residents and the extra care scheme has a full programme of social activities underway. Residents can enjoy regular coffee afternoons, quizzes, games afternoons and afternoon tea events.

Bright communal lounge with armchairs arranged around small tables, decorative plants and modern ceiling lights. Framed landscape photographs hang on a dark feature wall, with carpeted flooring and soft lighting throughout. The open day will take place between 1pm and 7pm on Thursday 7 May with guests to have the opportunity to meet staff and residents. Individuals will also be able to view some of the homes currently available and refreshments and information leaflets will be provided.

Harbour Place is delivered in partnership between social housing provider Riverside and Cumberland Council, which provides revenue funding for the care and support services.

ONS data reveals that Allerdale is the district with the highest proportion of people aged 65 and over in Cumberland at approximately 25%.

“We look forward to welcoming the community on Thursday 7 May. The open day will be a great opportunity for local people and their families to ask our team questions about life at Harbour Place and find out how to apply to move in. Since opening we have already welcomed nearly 70 residents and we are excited to meet many more in the coming months. There is no need to register to attend and we hope to see as many people as possible on the day.” 

Sally Nichols, Assistant Director of Operations in Housing & Care at Riverside

Commenting on their new homes, residents David, Betty and Gary said:

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“I have really enjoyed living here since I moved in. I like to come down to the communal lounge and have a good chat with the carers – they are a great bunch. I also enjoy a game of dominoes with the other residents.”
David
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“I love it here and haven’t got anything bad to say. The managers and staff are so good and I get along well with the other people who live here.”
Betty
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“Harbour Place feels like a community. I really like the carers and they always make me feel comfortable. I wake up and go to bed happy since moving here.”
Gary

“I would encourage people thinking about care options to visit Harbour Place in Workington. Seeing the apartments, shared spaces and onsite support first-hand really brings to life how this extra care housing development helps people live independently while having care available when they need it. Harbour Place offers a safe, welcoming environment where residents can stay connected to their community and feel confident about the future. It is a positive example of how extra care housing can support people to live well and we really welcome this provision in Cumberland.” 

Councillor Lisa Hinton, Deputy Leader (Statutory) and Adult Social Care Portfolio Holder at Cumberland Council

“It’s fantastic to see a development like Harbour Place opening its doors in Workington, providing high-quality, affordable homes alongside vital care and support for older people. Schemes like this are essential as our communities grow and change, ensuring people can live independently with dignity while staying connected to those around them. I’d encourage local residents to come along to the open day and see first-hand the positive impact this development is already having.” 

Josh MacAlister OBE MP for Whitehaven and Workington

Harbour Place looks forward to welcoming members of the public on Thursday 7 May. No prior registration will be required.

Individuals can contact harbourplace@riverside.org.uk for further information about the open day and life at the scheme.