GATESHEAD Borough Council is forging formal links with a national housing association to provide sheltered accommodation for its senior citizens.
The move to enter partnership with Housing 21 follows the decision taken by the authority last year, to improve the range of support services available to older people living in the city.
The announcement signals the start of work on a £15m five-year programme to provide accommodation in Gates-head, beginning later this year with the construction of a unit for 40 older people, at Manor Gardens, Wardley.
The unit will offer private rooms, a communal lounge, a restaurant, which will be open to the public, a hair salon and spa bath suite.
The Smart House will use technology to create safer surroundings and help people to maintain independence.
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