Work complete on Pennywell supported housing

The development, now known as Sycamore Park, is made up of 19 supported one-bedroom homes for people living with disabilities.

Sycamore Park stands on the site of the former Havelock Hospital at the edge of Hylton Road. The building was unused and had fallen into a poor state of repair before being demolished to make way for the new homes. 

Now complete, it will complement existing housing at nearby St Clement's Court to ensure a more comprehensive, connected, and efficient support service in the area.

The scheme has been developed by Sunderland based MCC Homes Limited and has been built with sustainability in mind. Each plot has been fitted with solar photovoltaic panels to allow tenants to benefit from renewable energy and the scheme provides EV charging points within the communal parking area for tenants and visitors. Sustainable drainage systems have also been implemented to showcase beautiful rainwater gardens.

In recent years Sunderland City Council's Housing Development Team has focused on delivering more supported housing and one-level homes for older people and those with disabilities, enabling vulnerable residents to live in properties that support them to be independent for longer.  This has been in response to the housing needs of the city.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Business, said: "I am delighted to see this scheme now complete and ready to welcome residents into high-quality supported homes that can meet their individual needs. Sycamore Park will provide much-needed accessible homes for vulnerable Sunderland residents and ensure that those who need additional support have housing that helps them to live more comfortably and independently.

"This scheme complements similar projects we have delivered at Washington Old School and Valiant Close in Hendon, with more in the pipeline. Many of these developments replace empty or derelict buildings and return them to use so they can once again benefit the surrounding community."

Luke Lee, head of operations at MCC Homes, said: "The re-development of the former Havelock Hospital site is a development 'close to home' for our workforce, and as a Sunderland-based small business we are incredibly proud of the long-lasting impact this scheme will bring to residents and the positive impact it will have on their lives. We have to give credit to Sunderland City Council for seeing potential in this scheme and a willingness to support local developers."