Hebburn Extra Care scheme generates estimated £10million in ‘social value’
A new Extra Care scheme is estimated to have generated more than £10millon-worth of ‘social value’ for Hebburn.
A Hebburn Extra Care is scheme is said to have created more than £10million-worth of ‘social value’ by helping local people get into work and training.
Delivered in partnership between South Tyneside Council and Karbon Homes, the Griffin Court development will provide 95 apartments that are designed to promote independent living within a supportive community setting.
Since starting construction in October 2024, Robertson Construction North East has committed to generating social, economic and environmental benefits.
£10million-worth of social value
Using the National TOMs Framework, a recognised method of measuring ‘social value’, it is estimated that the development has generated more than £10million of ‘social value’.
Social value is defined as the net positive impact that an organisation brings to society beyond financial benefit, such as creating jobs, reducing carbon emissions and supporting community initiatives.
Robertson Construction has been working with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority to boost social value from the development.
As a result, ten people have secured full-time roles and materials have been sourced from a local supply chain where possible.
Young people have undertaken 484 weeks of apprenticeships and 57 weeks of work placements to gain practical experience and develop their skills.
Jack Grainger, a Sunderland College T Level Design, Surveying and Planning student, completed a work placement and has since secured a trainee site manager role with Robertson supply chain partner, Hewitson.
He said: “Everyone was so supportive and I learned so much through the experience.
“It’s given me a real head start in my career and has helped me secure a full-time role before I’ve even finished college.
“I’m really looking forward to starting my new role at Hewitson and building on everything I’ve learned so far.”
‘This is about much more than bricks and mortar’
Robertson Construction has also supported local organisations such as Hebburn Helps, as well as helping the local environment through green initiatives and community litter picks.
Cllr Andy Heywood, South Tyneside Council’s Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, has praised the developer for supporting the local community throughout the construction process.
He commented: “This extra care scheme will play an invaluable role in how we support people to live independently for longer, with the reassurance of high-quality care and support when it’s needed.
“But it’s also delivering much wider benefits for our communities. Seeing local people supported into jobs and training, young people given opportunities to gain real experience, and community groups benefiting directly shows the difference this kind of investment can make.
“This is about much more than bricks and mortar – it’s about improving lives, helping local people into work, and building stronger, more resilient communities.”
Applying the same approach in South Shields
Neil Kennedy, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction North East, has revealed that the organisation is delivering the same social value approach at its other Extra Care development, in South Shields.
He stated: “We are already seeing the positive impact Griffin Court is having within the local community, and this will continue as construction progresses and long after completion.
“By working closely with South Tyneside Council and Karbon Homes, we have been able to create meaningful opportunities for local people, support businesses and invest in future skills.
“As the trusted delivery partner for Karbon Homes and South Tyneside Council on a further Extra Care scheme at Benton Road, we are applying the same social impact approach and both developments are making excellent progress.”