Extra Care scheme generates over £10m worth of social value for South Tyneside community

Delivered in partnership between Karbon Homes and South Tyneside Council, the development will provide 95 high-quality apartments designed to promote independent living within a supportive community setting.

Since construction started in October 2024, main contractor Robertson Construction North East has committed to generating social, economic and environmental benefits. Using the National TOMs Framework, a recognised method for measuring social value, the project is estimated to have generated, to date, over £10m of social value for the local community.

Throughout the development of Griffin Court, Robertson has worked in partnership with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to identify opportunities to support primary schools across South Tyneside through meaningful social value initiatives.

By delivering careers talks, design and build challenges, and educational site visits, the Robertson Social Impact Team has engaged with over 300 South Tyneside pupils to raise awareness of the diverse career opportunities available within the construction industry. 

Creating local employment opportunities has been a key focus of the project, with 10 people securing full-time roles. Among those recruited are an individual not in employment, education or training (NEET) and an ex-offender. Robertson has also worked with the local supply chain where possible, resulting in an expected spend of £16m within a 30-mile radius of the project. 

Young people have also been supported on site, with 484 weeks of apprenticeships and 57 weeks of work placements facilitated to create valuable opportunities to gain practical experience and develop skills for the future.

Sunderland College T Level Design, Surveying and Planning student Jack Grainger, completed a work placement at the development with Robertson. He then went on to secure a position with Robertson supply chain partner Hewitson, as a trainee site manager.

Jack said: “Thanks to Robertson for hosting me on site. Everyone was so supportive and I learned so much through the experience. It’s given me a real head start in my career and has helped me secure a full-time role before I’ve even finished college. I’m really looking forward to starting my new role at Hewitson and building on everything I’ve learned so far.” 

In-kind work has also been delivered for local community groups and charities, including Hebburn Helps, where a hand wash basin was installed to allow the charity to deliver cookery classes from their kitchen, storage area improvements and donations.

The local environment has been supported through green transport initiatives and community litter picks, while the site reduces carbon emissions by using HVO fuel to power plant and equipment.

Cllr Andy Heywood, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, South Tyneside Council, said: “This extra care scheme will play an invaluable role in how we support people to live independently for longer, with the reassurance of high-quality care and support when it’s needed.

“But it’s also delivering much wider benefits for our communities. Seeing local people supported into jobs and training, young people given opportunities to gain real experience, and community groups benefiting directly shows the difference this kind of investment can make.

“This is about much more than bricks and mortar – it’s about improving lives, helping local people into work, and building stronger, more resilient communities.”

Zoey Hawthorne, Group Director of Development, Karbon Homes, said: “At Karbon, our aim is to shape strong, sustainable communities and ensure that we make a positive difference to the neighbourhoods where we develop new homes and where our customers live. One way we do this is through working with our contractors to unlock social value and generate benefits for our communities. This is a great example and we are really pleased to see how Roberston has delivered significant employment opportunities for young people and those not currently in employment, education or training, as well as raising career aspirations for younger school pupils.”

Neil Kennedy, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction North East, said: “We are already seeing the positive impact Griffin Court is having within the local community, and this will continue as construction progresses and long after completion. By working closely with South Tyneside Council and Karbon Homes, we have been able to create meaningful opportunities for local people, support businesses and invest in future skills.

“As the trusted delivery partner for Karbon Homes and South Tyneside Council on a further Extra Care scheme at  Benton Road, we are applying the same social impact approach and both developments are making excellent progress.” 

North East Mayoral Strategic Authority Director of Skills, Inclusion, and Public Service Reform Dr Charlotte Carpenter said: “We’ve been delighted to support Robertson Construction to create meaningful links with local primary schools who are part of the North East Ambition primary careers network. Through this partnership, pupils have been able to engage directly with the Griffin Court development through site visits, hands-on activities, and employer encounters. These experiences are vital in helping young people broaden their aspirations, understand the world of work, and begin to imagine future careers in industries like construction.”