Lady Ida Lodge is a new extra care living scheme for people aged 55 and over. The scheme in Cookridge, Leeds offers 64 modern one and two bedroom self-contained apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership.
The project delivered the restoration of the dilapidated Grade II listed former Cookridge Hospital Ida Wing, the construction of a four-storey extension and a single-storey link building.
Marking the first extra care development Esh Construction has delivered within the Yorkshire and Humber region for Housing 21, throughout the project Esh developed a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the client, which has resulted in a real positive impact on the local community.
Despite a number of challenges throughout this development, including restoring a Grade II listed building which was in a state of ruin, the topography of the site which was built within a hillside, and the outbreak of a global pandemic, Esh delivered the project to the highest of quality, within the client’s budget and on time.
The outcome emanated from the successful working relationship between Esh Construction and the client, Housing 21, from inception to post-delivery. The client, in particular Alan White, Construction Manager from Housing 21, provided clear leadership and responded to any issues that arose as the development progressed.
Alan’s willingness to engage and his experience to make critical decisions helped enormously. Alan’s approach was open and honest, he became part of the team and visited site when safe to do so. He attended meetings to assist with the delivery and played an active role in the decision-making process; including sign off for samples and addressing any procurement or design issues.
The cooperation of suppliers is another key factor in the project’s success. Upon the outbreak of Covid-19, work streams were sequenced carefully to avoid trades working in the same space at the same time, ensuring social distancing and safety at work.
This development not only creates fantastic new extra care accommodation for Cookridge, it has revived the heritage of the former Cookridge Hospital Ida Wing which closed in 2005. A major refurbishment programme, along with the construction of an extension, has brought a building steeped in history into modern 21st century times.
We are proud of the successful delivery of this scheme and we would like to nominate Housing 21 for this award, in recognition of the role and leadership they played through not only a challenging construction project, but throughout a global pandemic which posed issues that could never have been planned for.
The final result was commended by Housing 21 chief executive, Bruce Moore, who commented: “Lady Ida Lodge is simply wonderful. It has really exceeded all expectations and there was nothing I felt hadn’t been considered or done to make the development simply superb. The vision and delivery of the development are truly exemplary. The finish and features exude quality, the end result is just brilliant. The property will create a wonderful setting for a great community to develop.”
