Construction has started on a new eco-friendly residential affordable housing scheme for people over the age of 55 in Penshaw.

The scheme, is situated off Station Road and is being developed by Vistry Partnerships North East for Sunderland-based housing association, Gentoo Group. It will be named Penshaw Gardens and will feature 72 self-contained properties over three storeys, consisting of one and two bedroom apartments.

Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Gentoo, said: “We’re delighted work is underway at our new Penshaw Gardens development. This is an important part of our affordable homes programme and we look forward to working with Vistry Partnerships North East to deliver it.

“Between 2015 and 2029 the number of people over the age of 65 in Sunderland is expected to increase by 42% and Gentoo currently has more than 6,0000 people on its housing register over the age of 55. This scheme will provide much needed affordable housing for those people.”

The development will see a brownfield site redeveloped for affordable housing that was previously used for office space by Sunderland City Council. The building is eco-friendly and will feature renewable energy technology, such as air source heat pumps. The building will also be built without a gas supply, minimising its carbon emissions.

Andrew Rennie, Development Director at Vistry Partnerships North East, said: “This project will deliver new, high quality, affordable housing for older members of the community and we’re pleased to be playing our part in helping Gentoo to meet housing need in Sunderland.”

All 72 properties will be made available for affordable rent.