21 July 2026

Multi-million-pound Workington affordable housing and extra care development celebrates official opening

Riverside news Press Release

Harbour Place, the new multi-million-pound affordable housing and extra care development in Workington, has officially opened with a ceremony attended by customers, staff and local officials.

Held on Thursday 16 July, the event saw speeches from Paul Dolan, Chief Executive of Riverside and John Glenton, Chief Care and Support Officer at Riverside.

Harbour Place customers also marked the occasion by burying a time capsule which featured official deeds for the site, photos of Workington and architectural designs. A private party for customers and staff followed with individuals enjoying a buffet and live music from a DJ.

Situated on Lawson Street, Harbour Place opened earlier this year and offers 107 homes for people with extra care needs and those aged over 55. To date, more than 60 residents have already moved in and some of the extra care apartments are still available for individuals seeking accommodation that best suits their needs.

Each home boasts a dementia-friendly design with every extra care apartment also fully adaptable depending on individuals’ needs. Residents can choose from one or two bedroomed homes and benefit from adaptable walk-in showers, fitted kitchens and a living room and dining area.

The site also features a range of communal facilities including a café, restaurant, landscaped garden and hairdressing salon. A varied programme of activities is now available too from bingo and film nights to a gardening club and coffee afternoons.

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

The opening of the site comes at a time when demand for specialist housing for older people continues to grow. ONS census data has found that Cumberland has a higher proportion of adults in the 65+ and 85+ age groups than the national average.

“Harbour Place is already a fantastic place to live with a strong sense of community and the latest state-of-the-art care facilities for those who need it. I am grateful to our colleagues at Cumberland Council for helping us to provide these much-needed homes and services and I would encourage anyone who is interested in the extra care apartments for either themselves or a loved one to contact the team and find out more.”

"We are delighted to see Harbour Place officially open in Workington, and for it to already be making a positive difference to residents’ lives. This development provides high-quality, affordable homes that support older people to live independently, safely and well, with access to care and support when they need it.

"Harbour Place is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships. Working with Riverside, we have been able to deliver a development that puts the needs of local residents at its heart and creates a place where older people can enjoy independence, security and a strong sense of community.

"If you live in or around the Workington area, are aged 55 or over and have care or support needs, we encourage you to contact the Riverside Harbour Place team to find out more about the homes available."

“The opening event was amazing! I love living at Harbour Place. Since moving here, I feel content and more confident. The carers are outstanding, I feel safe and I’m living my best life while making friends along the way." 

Individuals interested in moving into the development can contact harbourplace@riverside.org.uk or call 01539 742839 for further information.