New housing to help disabled adults lead independent, happy lives in Sunderland

(from left) Coun Norma Wright, Mayoress Carol Curran; Mayor Coun Barry Curran, Coun Rosalind Copeland; Alastair Sheehan, development and planning director at HB Villages, Pete Ottowell, chairman of Inclusion Housing and Janine Forshaw, new build project manager for Lifeways.

Church View, in The King’s Road, Southwick, consists of 12 apartments and 12 bungalows, specially designed to allow adults with learning and physical disabilities to live independently, but with support available whenever necessary.

Church View was designed in partnership with Inclusion Housing CIC and Lifeways Community Care, in partnership with the city council’s commissioning team, and was developed by specialist supported housing developer HB Villages and contractor McGoff & Bryne.

Mayor of Sunderland Coun Barry Curran was presented with a commemorative builder’s trowel after performing the topping out ceremony at the £4.3million development.

“There is, without doubt, a shortage of suitable homes for those with specialist supported living needs in the UK,” he said.

“That’s why I am delighted to see the progress being made at this development, which will provide a modern and safe environment for vulnerable people to live their lives independently and with the freedom to manage their own homes.

“We have a real sense of community in Sunderland and I am proud that the residents of this new development will be made to feel welcome here in Southwick.”

Janine Forshaw, build project manager for Lifeways, said: “From the overall building design to the design and layout of each individual home, Church View is being developed to provide high quality and adapted accommodation, to ensure tenants are able to live active and independent lives within the local community.”