Glen Lodge Extra Care York | Award-Winning Senior Living Facility

Client:

City of York Council

Sector:

Health Care, Residential

Project Value:
£3m

Duration:
56 weeks

Project Overview

The £4m investment at Glen Lodge represents a significant step forward in providing high-quality extra care accommodation that supports independent living in York .

William Birch were appointed as Principal Contractor following a competitive tender process, which assessed both their Design & Build capability and approach to working within an operational care environment while delivering a high-quality facility.

Scope of Works

The development comprised a new extension providing 25 flats and two bungalows, carefully designed to complement the existing Glen Lodge building. Constructed in high-quality brickwork typical of York and its suburbs, the scheme sits comfortably within its surroundings and positively engages with the street and adjacent parkland. Landscaping works, including new trees and planting, enhanced biodiversity and enriched existing wildlife habitats.

Internally, the scheme includes 12 specially designed dementia-friendly apartments — the first of their kind in York. Designed around the principle of ‘orientation’, these homes maximise visibility and ease of navigation, with open layouts, adaptable sliding walls, carefully considered lighting, and the use of colour contrast to support residents’ independence. The apartments were also designed to accommodate emerging assistive technologies and maximise natural light, particularly afternoon sun, to strengthen residents’ connection with the outside environment.

Challenges & Our Approach

A key challenge of the project was delivering the works within a fully operational care environment. This required careful planning, sensitivity and ongoing collaboration with residents and care staff to minimise disruption.

We worked closely with the Glen Lodge care team to understand daily routines and specific requirements, ensuring construction activities were programmed around operational needs. A ‘Meet the Contractor’ event was held for residents and neighbours, and our Site Manager remained accessible throughout the project to address queries and concerns. Regular letter drops and a structured communication programme supported transparency, and the project was delivered in line with the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The project also required the successful integration of contemporary design principles within an established setting, balancing high-quality modern accommodation with respect for the character of the original building and surrounding area.

Social Value Delivered

We employed three bricklaying apprentices on the project, all undertaking apprenticeships with York College and mentored by an experienced long-serving craftsman. The majority of our workforce lived within North Yorkshire, with one third based in York itself, ensuring strong local economic impact.

A local supply chain was prioritised, and the site management team were York-based, reinforcing our commitment to investing in the local community. Our apprentices took great pride in contributing to a project within the community in which they live.

Outcome

Delivered 27 high-quality extra care homes supporting independent living
Introduced York’s first dementia-friendly apartments, setting a new benchmark in specialist accommodation
Enhanced the existing Glen Lodge facility with a sympathetic, high-quality extension
Improved biodiversity and strengthened the site’s relationship with the surrounding parkland
Provided future-ready homes designed for adaptability and emerging care technologies