WORK is well underway on a £19million extra care scheme in Workington which is set to provide more than 100 'affordable' homes for those aged over 55.

The development offers a mix of supported and social housing, including 79 one- and two-bed apartments for people with care needs, and 28 affordable rent bungalows.

The scheme will also offer a range of facilities for the local area, including a community café and a hair and beauty salon.

Working in partnership with housebuilders Atkinson Homes, The Riverside Group is reviving a disused site once home to terraced housing demolished in the 1970s, to form the development which will be known as Harbour Place.

The opening of Harbour Place in early 2025 will bring a mix of new jobs, the companies said, including care staff, catering, domestic and management positions to the area, as well as housing roles.

Applications for housing will be through Cumberland Council, this includes the bungalows and the extra care service.

Further community open days for both prospective tenants and those wanting to develop their career in housing or care, through vacancies, will continue through the summer.

Sally Nichols, Riverside’s assistant director of operations, said: “It’s been incredibly exciting to see the progress made so far as we’ve worked to bring this new extra care scheme to the area.

“Riverside has been around for nearly 100 years in communities nationwide, from Scotland to London, and we’re one of the largest providers of care and support services in the country.

“With a quarter of Allerdale’s population aged over 65, the delivery of Harbour Place enables us to meet the growing housing support and care needs, while aligning to our commitment of ensuring that older individuals and those with care needs have access to good quality homes.

“We’re really looking forward to bringing this new scheme on Lawson Street to the community, giving choice to individuals to live independently while providing numerous housing and care employment opportunities. So if you’re interested, we’d love to have a chat with you.”

For more information about Harbour Place Extra Care, contact harbourplace@riverside.org.uk