A SHELTERED housing development has been shortlisted for two prestigious design and construction awards.

Lynwood House, in Lanchester, provides 34 modern two-bedroom apartments for the over 55s, as well as community facilities including a laundry, multi-therapy room, cinema, meeting space and an office occupied by the parish council.

The innovative building, built on the site of the former council-run care home, has now been shortlisted for a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) award and a Constructing Excellence in the North East (CENE) award.

The £6m scheme, owned and managed by Derwentside Homes, was completed in December last year.

Lynwood House has been shortlisted in the Community Benefit category of the RICS Awards, with the winners announced on Friday (apr 24).

It has also been shortlisted in both the Innovation and Value categories of the CENE Awards, which celebrates achievements within the North East construction industry, due to be announced next month.

Derwentside Homes’ Chief Executive Geraldine Kay said: “Lynwood House is a fantastic development which not only provides much needed affordable housing but also the chance for residents to live independently in a safe and secure environment.

“The finished development really breaks the mould for over 55s housing and is the result of great partnership working and vision.”

As part of the development, a new doctor’s surgery was built which is now home to Lanchester Medical Centre, which relocated from smaller premises within the village last year.

Michael Foggon, regional director of project managers Faithful and Gould, said: “This project had a number of challenges from the outset and it is a tribute to everyone involved that these have been overcome and such an attractive and sustainable facility has been successfully completed which provides modern facilities and a focal point to serve the residents and future generations of Lanchester and the surrounding communities.”