£3.6million investment boost to Newcastle supported housing scheme gets underway [Archived]

We're working in partnership with North East-based regeneration specialist RE:GEN, to upgrade the flats and install new fire safety measures at Mascot House, a supported housing scheme for the Chinese community, in the city centre.

The work includes a full electrical upgrade, sprinkler system, new kitchens, level access shower rooms, windows, roof improvements, a full refurbishment to the communal area and decoration throughout.

The project, which is due to be completed in March 2024, will also see the garden landscaped, creating a welcoming and relaxing environment for residents to enjoy together.

Thirteen’s project manager Rubie Lee said: “It’s a really exciting project and we know these improvements will make a big difference to our customers who live at Mascot House.

“This is a complex project due to the scale of the work. We’re supporting each customer to temporarily move into a vacant flat within the building so, we can carry out the work with minimal disturbance.

“Not only will our customers see a visible difference to their homes, but this work brings many benefits, and will improve the energy efficiency of the building.

“Schemes like this are so important, to enable people to live as independently as possible. So, that’s why we continue to invest in facilities like this, ensuring they are modern and comfortable ensuring that every person has a home that meets their needs.”

Brinsley Sheridan, partnership director at RE:GEN Group, said: “People are at the heart of everything we do here at RE:GEN, so hearing and seeing how delighted the residents are with their newly improved home is what it’s all about.

“It’s testament to the great partnership we have with the whole team at Thirteen that we’re starting this project on such a positive note, and I know our team is working hard to ensure each and every resident in the building has the same positive customer experience.”

Mascot House is a supported housing scheme near China Town in Newcastle city centre. The specialist accommodation, across the seven-storey building is aimed at those age 60 and over, who might need support to live independently in their own home. It's a thriving community with lots of activities to reduce isolation and encourage independent living.

The investment work is part of Thirteen’s £50million investment plans, which will see thousands of homes in the North East and Yorkshire benefit from home improvements this year.

Over the next five years Thirteen is investing around £300million across over 25,000 homes within 15 local authority areas.