WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP TO UPGRADE KARBON HOMES’ SUPPORTED HOUSING SCHEME

We’re working in partnership with social housing landlord Karbon Homes to deliver a £2 million investment programme to upgrade flats at Athlone Court – a supported housing scheme in Blyth in the North East of England.

The project to improve all 35 self-contained flats at Athlone Court as well as the building’s communal areas will take around six months to complete. The works will include a full electrical and heating upgrade, redecoration and floor covering replacements in all communal areas, the creation of an internal scooter storage system and a new CCTV system. Individual flats will also benefit from both kitchen and bathroom upgrades. We’ll also be carrying out external upgrades to the building, including a new roof and new porch at the entrance to improve security.

We’re in the process of hiring two new employees to support the programme delivery with Karbon Homes. As part of the partnership and our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities in which we operate, we’ll also be carrying out various social value activities, including local school engagement and offering paid work placements.

Jon McDonald, Head of Supported Housing at Karbon Homes, said: “This is an exciting project which we know will make a big difference to customers living there. The works we have planned will not only benefit customers in their homes but will also provide them with modern and welcoming communal spaces where they can come together to socialise. Supported housing schemes for over 55s are a vital asset in communities, enabling the older generation to remaining living independently for longer.

“We have ambitions to build new schemes, but we also recognise the importance of balancing this with the need to modernise what stock we already have, bringing it up to standards that meet needs of customers today and in the future. Regeneration of outdated schemes to make them more attractive to new residents also encourages downsizing amongst this age group, doubling as a way to free up larger social homes for families on the waiting list.”

Jason Smithies, Head of Operations at Novus said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Karbon Homes through this exciting project at Athlone Court. These comprehensive refurbishments will not only improve the quality, comfort, and energy efficiency of residents’ homes, but also enhance the wider community environment. Our team is proud to play a part in delivering meaningful, lasting improvements, and we look forward to working collaboratively with Karbon Homes, residents, and partners to ensure the project’s success.”

The investment at Athlone Court, one of 43 sheltered schemes managed by Karbon in the North East, is part of a wider programme of investment Karbon Homes is delivering across its supported housing stock.