An extra care scheme which has seen the restoration of the Grade II listed former Cookridge Hospital Ida Wing, the construction of a three-storey extension and a single-storey link building, has been delivered by Esh Construction.
Located in Cookridge and named Lady Ida Lodge, the 64-apartment extra care facility has been completed on behalf of Housing 21 and Leeds City Council, supported by Homes England.
The newly constructed extension building contains 58 homes, while the Ida Wing, which was originally built in 1889, has been converted to include 6 apartments, a guest bedroom, communal lounge, on-site facilities, as well as office facilities for housing management staff.
Stuart Leslie, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “This development not only creates fantastic new extra care accommodation for Cookridge, it has revived the heritage of the former Cookridge Hospital Ida Wing which closed in 2005. A major refurbishment programme, the construction of a three-storey extension and single-storey link building has brought a building steeped in history into modern 21st century times. Lady Ida Lodge is a project which we are very proud to have delivered.”
Designed to promote independent living in a community setting with access to 24/7 on-site care if required, the development offers one and two-bedroom apartments which are available for social rent and shared ownership.
Residents can enjoy a communal lounge and three different communal gardens, including a woodland area, central courtyard and southern terrace. On-site facilities include a café/bistro, which will offer a take away service, and a hair salon.
Deborah Hope, Head of Development at Housing 21, said: “We are delighted to have completed our second new build extra care scheme in Leeds. The successful delivery of this beautiful but challenging scheme has been the result of positive partnership working between Housing 21, Leeds City Council and Homes England and we are looking forward to delivering more high quality affordable homes for older people of modest means in Leeds. As well as providing much needed extra care homes for local people, we are pleased that this scheme will provide opportunities for local jobs for local people.”
Claire Charlton, Head of Extra Care (North) at Housing 21, said: “We have faced challenges along the way, but no one could have predicted a global pandemic! I am so proud of our teams for ensuring building work could continue safely for those in need of a new home with good quality care and support.
“There is no doubt this scheme is needed in Cookridge; apartments are selling well and there are a few apartments still available for rent. We are very pleased residents will start moving in shortly and we are looking forward to welcoming them into their new homes.”
Cllr Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Communities, said: “Delivering quality homes for everyone is part of the Council’s ambition to be a ‘Compassionate City’.
“Extra care developments such as Lady Ida Lodge play a key role in this, by providing suitable housing for our city’s older residents when they require that additional level of support and assistance to be able to maintain their independence.”
Esh Construction completed the project in partnership with design team, Langtry Langton Architects and Civic Engineers.
This development not only creates fantastic new extra care accommodation for Cookridge, it has revived the heritage of the former Cookridge Hospital Ida Wing which closed in 2005. A major refurbishment programme, the construction of a three-storey extension and single-storey link building has brought a building steeped in history into modern 21st century times. Lady Ida Lodge is a project which we are very proud to have delivered.”
