Robertson completes £31m Extra Care scheme in South Tyneside

The £31m scheme has created 95 high-quality affordable homes where adults with additional care and support needs can live independently.

Delivered by Karbon Homes in partnership with South Tyneside Council, the development includes 75 one-bedroom and 20 two-bedroom apartments, including 17 specialist dementia-friendly homes. 

Residents will have access to care and support tailored to their individual needs, helping them to remain active, connected and in control of their day-to-day lives.

The accommodation features communal lounges, multi-use spaces for activities and a bistro café that will be open to the general public. Its central location will mean residents are close to local shops, services and transport links.

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “Griffin Court strengthens our reputation as a trusted partner in the Extra Care sector, delivering high-quality specialist housing and amenities that are integrated within the local community. 

“Throughout construction, we have also created meaningful opportunities for local people, supported local businesses and invested in future skills, ensuring the benefits extend beyond those who will call Griffin Court home.

“Our partnership with Karbon Homes and South Tyneside Council continues at Benton Road, where we are delivering a further Extra Care development, building on the same shared commitment to quality, care and community.”

Cllr Andy Heywood, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence at South Tyneside Council, said: “The completion of Griffin Court is a major milestone for Hebburn and for our wider ambition to give people more choice over where and how they live as their needs change, reducing reliance on residential care.

“These are modern, welcoming homes designed around independence, dignity and community. Tenants will be able to enjoy the privacy of their own home, with the reassurance that support is available when they need it.

“I look forward to seeing Griffin Court become a thriving part of the local community.”

Designed by JDDK Architects, the scheme will be owned and managed by Karbon, with the council’s Adult Social Care team supporting the allocation of apartments.

Sarah Robson, Executive Director of Development and Asset Management, Karbon Homes, said: “The completion of this scheme marks a major milestone for us. As the largest Extra Care scheme we've delivered to date, it represents our commitment to providing high-quality homes that help people live independently for longer.

“The collaboration between partners has been instrumental in delivering a development that will have a lasting impact for residents and the wider community.

“It also showcases our ambitions to help meet the growing demand for specialist housing in the region, delivering homes that meet the needs of the local area and enables residents to live life to the full.”

Creating local employment opportunities has been a key focus of the project for Robertson, with 10 people securing full-time roles. Among those recruited are an individual not in employment, education or training (NEET) and an ex-offender. 

Young people have also been supported on site, with 1,372 weeks of apprenticeships and 59 weeks of work placements facilitated to create valuable opportunities to gain practical experience and develop skills for the future.

Griffin Court is the first Extra Care scheme delivered through the partnership between the council and Karbon Homes. Robertson is already well underway with construction of the partners’ second and largest facility, a 124-apartment development on Benton Road in South Shields, due for completion in early 2028.