Residents move into pocket sized community

Five new bungalows, which were completed at the end of last year, have now welcomed their new residents providing accessible new homes to older people in the city.

The homes, in Boult Terrace, were built by Sunderland City Council, commissioned as part of its Housing Delivery and Investment Plan (HDIP), which was launched two years ago to ensure the city has the homes it needs to support older and more vulnerable residents.   All five of the assistive technology-equipped homes - designed for older people, and residents with specific accessibility needs - are now occupied.

June Archer, 72, is one of the residents who now calls the street home.

June said the property is a dream come true providing one-level living that will enable her to remain there for the rest of her life.

June said: "I was on a waiting list for a property like this for a while with other housing providers in the area, and when I noticed these homes being built I looked into who was developing them and contacted the council to find out more. They took lots of information to understand what I was looking for and why I wanted to move, and told me they would put me on their waiting list.

"I was invited for a viewing last year and absolutely loved the bungalows, in particular the detached one, which has a lovely garden that I knew would be perfect for my grandchildren and great grandchildren. I couldn't believe it when I was told that was the home I would be getting.

"It's perfect for me and has lovely big rooms, and a second bedroom that is great for family staying over.  I couldn't be happier with my new home."

June added: "My family are close by, and the position of the house, right next to local shops and bus stops, couldn't be better, so when I can't drive anymore, I will still be able to get around.  It's lovely and peaceful and I am looking forward to a better year, in my new home."

The houses were built as part of a city-wide push by the council to deliver more homes for vulnerable and older people in Sunderland.  Through its HDIP, Sunderland City Council is aiming to bring more than 360 empty properties into use as family homes over the next five years; deliver 117 new build bungalows; and through new build, conversion and refurbishment, create 95 new homes as supported accommodation.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, dynamic city portfolio holder, said the tenancy of its Boult Terrace scheme, was another important step forward in the council's vision to deliver a more diverse housing-mix that will cater for all kinds of families.

He said: "These are lovely homes, and I'm so pleased to see them occupied by tenants whose needs will be well-met, with well-designed, accessible spaces, adaptations where they're needed and great locations that will keep people living independent, active lives.

"June is just one of the people to benefit from our programme which is creating more and better homes for affordable rent in the city for our older residents, as well as people with mobility requirements, and it's lovely to hear how pleased she is."

The project was supported by Homes England, with a £195,000 investment.

Sunderland City Council's return to housebuilding follows its move to once again become a Registered Housing Provider, renting its first homes in more than 20 years earlier in 2020.