Construction Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan visits innovative retirement community in Hexham
Construction Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan was in Hexham on Thursday 29 July to visit Hewson Court – a new flagship retirement community under construction from the UK’s leading manager and developer, McCarthy & Stone. High specification, modern homes for older people are being created in Hexham in which a new eco-friendly Modern Method of Construction (MMC) is being piloted – a first in the country for the developer.
MMC is revolutionising the housing market by using cutting-edge technologies to deliver much needed homes that are greener, safer and cheaper. McCarthy & Stone plans to build c.25% of its developments using the light gauge steel frame MMC approach in the future.
During her visit the Minister took a tour of the innovative development which has a Gross Development Value (GDP) of £11.1 million. She was able to see how MMC is helping to fast-track the delivery of high-quality housing for the UK’s increasingly ageing population, which despite the demand, is currently undersupplied.
McCarthy & Stone worked in partnership with specialist Leeds-based company Sigmat to pilot the new housebuilding technique that uses an innovative light gauge steel frame. This allowed it to be manufactured offsite and then assembled onsite, increasing the speed of build by 11+ weeks in Hexham versus traditional solutions.
Once fully complete, the improved thermal performance of the MMC approach is also expected to reduce heating bills for homeowners compared to a traditional UK home.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Construction Minister, comments: “Innovation from McCarthy & Stone is paving the way for the construction industry to build back greener and safer.
“The development of cleaner, cheaper construction methods is critical for the sector’s drive towards net zero and our ambition to deliver high-quality housing that meets the UK’s needs.”
McCarthy & Stone said the Hexham development represents the next generation of projects within its growing portfolio to benefit from modern methods of construction (MMC). The company welcomed the recognition from the Minister, describing it as an important step, and said it was proud to showcase the work of its team and partners, Sigmat, as well as to discuss the challenges currently facing the retirement housing sector.
The company added that it remains focused on creating homes where older people can live independently and thrive, with location and design playing a key role in ensuring each development is a beautiful place to live.
McCarthy & Stone confirmed its commitment to trialling MMC schemes across all divisions nationwide and set out a target for 25% of its developments to be delivered using MMC. It said this marks an important step towards a more sustainable, efficient and high-quality future for its communities.
Hewson Court has been designed to be located close to a number of local amenities, such as shops, the bus station and Hexham General Hospital. The properties will be tailor-made for the over 60s, presenting homeowners with an opportunity to downsize and live in a community of like-minded people to enjoy living the life they want to live.
Selected apartments will feature Juliet balconies and private patios, and the landscaped gardens which will be maintained all-year round, are a lovely place to enjoy the outdoors. Hewson Court will be offering apartments for purchase outright as well a range of flexible solutions including rental and part-buy part-rent options.
