Cumbrian residential development completes

Home Group has completed the first phase of a scheme to transform a flood-damaged area of Cockermouth in Cumbria and work is underway on the second phase.

Bridge End Court is a £3m development aimed at the over-55s and comprises 38 two-bedroom flats on three floors, together with a residents' lounge and managers' office. Phase two of the scheme at the junction of Gote Road and Wakefield Road, will include 15 three-bedroom houses and six two-bedroom houses.

The scheme was designed by Croft Goode Architects and built by Forrest. The project involved the demolition of dilapidated housing stock on land on the north bank of the River Derwent, close to Cockermouth's historic centre which suffered severe flooding in 2009.

David Croft, director of Croft Goode, based in Kirkham, said: "The development provides secure living to modern standards specifically for over 55s, as well as excellent views over the River Derwent and the north Lakeland hills."

Elsa Brailey, Home Group's development manager for the North West, said: "We had an official celebration to open Bridge End Court and one of the things all the residents, Home Group colleagues, civic dignitaries and neighbours agreed on was the quality of the building.

"I spoke with our oldest resident Mabel Procter, who carried out the official opening ceremony, and she said that she loves living in her new flat. All the residents have been provided with secure, comfortable warm accommodation which they are pleased to call home.

"We're sure that the second phase of development will provide equally impressive properties which others will be overjoyed to move into."