A £2.3 MILLION scheme will see a retirement living complex refurbished and remodelled.

Corbridge's Howden Dene retirement scheme was originally built in 1890 and currently houses 12 apartments and communal living spaces.

The building on Newcastle Road will be upgraded and reconfigured to provide 14 retirement living apartments.

Work will include a full strip out and asbestos removal, kitchen and bathroom replacements, mechanical and electrical upgrades, including a new lift, and the installation of timber sash windows.

Existing partition walls will also be altered, and new walls constructed, creating the additional apartments and a guest suite.

Work is to soon begin after Esh Construction was appointed design and build contractor. Esh will work in partnership with Anchor to deliver the scheme.

Chris Hale, pre-construction director at Esh, said: “This development marks the first contract we have secured via Anchor’s four-year framework for retirement living.

“We have extensive experience in the renovation of both heritage and listed buildings. Retaining key features, which are in keeping with the character and history of the building, will be of utmost importance throughout this scheme. We look forward to getting work underway.”

Claire Anderson, Anchor’s director of regeneration and partnership, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Esh Construction to renovate Anchor’s Howden Dene. It’s a beautiful building and we have no doubt it will be an excellent home for residents who love living in later life!”