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Following three years of design development, construction is now officially underway on a flagship Almshouse development in Hartlepool, designed in collaboration with people who have lived experience of dementia.
The Greatham Foundation marked the milestone with a ground-breaking ceremony on Friday 19 December 2025 at the former Gretton Court Nursing Care Home on Heather Grove — now being transformed into thoughtfully designed homes that prioritise independence, dignity and community.
The development, which will deliver 14 high-quality Almshouse bungalows, has been shaped directly by people living with dementia. Their insights have influenced everything from room layouts and colour schemes to outdoor spaces, supporting familiarity, safety, and wellbeing.
“This project is driven by compassion and lived understanding,” said Margaret Bousfield, Chair of Trustees at The Greatham Foundation. “By listening to the people who will live here, we’re creating homes that genuinely support independence and belonging.”
Alongside the new homes, the site will feature communal areas designed to encourage social connection, reduce isolation and help residents remain active within the local community.
The Greatham Foundation continues its long heritage of providing charitable housing — with this project representing the next step in the evolution of Almshouses, adapting to the needs of modern ageing and dementia-inclusive living. The development is due for completion in early October 2026.
Following a competitive tender process, Acomb Construction Ltd has been selected as the main contractor for the development, bringing their expertise to deliver this pioneering dementia-friendly housing project. The scheme is largely being driven by Ian Prescott, Director, IP Development & Planning Limited working on behalf of The Greatham Foundation as the development lead.
The total scheme budget is £2.7m + VAT which demonstrates the charity’s commitment to supporting people living with dementia.
The Heathers Day Centre, operating from a separate annex on the site and providing vital dementia activities and support, will remain fully in place during construction and will be closely integrated with the new Almshouse scheme to offer residents convenient access to its services and social opportunities
Photograph shows: Trustees & Employees of The Greatham Foundation, Acomb Construction Ltd, Maval M&E (mechanical and electrical sub-contractors), IP Development & Planning Limited and representatives from Hartlepool Young Onset Dementia Group.