A new affordable housing scheme in Sunderland, named after a famous inventor, has welcomed its first residents.
Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association’s (DAMHA) latest development, Edison Close – named after the inventor of the lightbulb, Thomas Edison, because the new homes are close to Voltage Terrace, Philadelphia – comprises 13 two-bed bungalows.
The housing provider invested £1.1m in the scheme, which Esh Construction developed on its behalf.
All homes have been let to people of pensionable age. Among the first to move in were Wyn and Harry Boll, who have moved from their family home to make life easier for Harry, who has health problems.
Commenting on the development, Wyn said: “Harry was struggling to use the stairs in our home, so we wanted something which was on one level and would be better suited to our current and future needs.
“We wanted to stay in the area because our friends and family are here, so when we heard about the DAMHA homes at Philadelphia, we were very keen and hoped we would be high enough up the waiting list to get one.
“We were over the moon when we were then invited to view one of the properties and needless to say we snapped DAMHA’s hand off.”
She added: “We still can’t believe how nice they are – they are so spacious and in a quiet cul-de-sac, which makes you feel so safe and secure.
“It’s just like being in a luxury holiday home – only better because it’s just for us.”
Edison Close is the third development DAMHA has opened in 2020, with a 19-home scheme completed in nearby Houghton-le-Spring in March and a 24-home scheme completed in Consett in May.
DAMHA chief executive Paul Mullis said: “We are very pleased to welcome residents to our newest development in Philadelphia and to once again have helped meet the pressing needs for two-bedroom bungalows in our region.
“Having waited 25 years, we have now completed two new developments in the Sunderland area in just a few months, as well as opening a new scheme in Consett.
“It’s a further evidence of our commitment to provide high-quality new homes for older people across our operating area and to contribute to the regeneration of former coalfield communities.”
Mark Binns, Construction director at Esh Construction, said: “We are delighted to complete this development on behalf of DAMHA, delivering much-need accessible bungalows for residents like Wyn and Harry.
“Having a safe and comfortable place to call home has become even more important in the current climate and it’s great to hear from one of the first residents of Edison Close about how happy they are in their new home.”
In total this year, DAHMA has spent over £6m delivering 56 new homes in the North-East.
Mullis added: “All our new bungalows are designed to meet the changing needs of older people, so they can be adapted if their personal circumstances change.
“This means they can remain in their homes for as long as possible, which reduces the pressure on the health and social care sector.”
Founded in 1898, Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association is the longest established provider of retirement homes in the region.
It has around 1,700 homes, predominantly bungalows, on 130 sites in 80 villages, which provide retirement housing for more than 2,000 North East residents.
Image: Harry and Wyn Boll with Paul Mullis (left) and Mark Binns from Esh Construction outside DAHMA’s new housing scheme near Sunderland
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