Topping out marked at new affordable housing scheme

4 people stood on scaffolding next to roof tiles

We are marking a milestone in the construction of our new affordable housing scheme, Penshaw Gardens, as the final roof tile has been installed.

The celebration marks the beginning of the countdown to completion of the £11.5 million, eco-friendly, residential affordable housing scheme, for people over the age of 55, in Penshaw.

The scheme, which is being built in partnership with Vistry North East, part of the Vistry Group, will feature 72 self-contained properties over three storeys, consisting of one and two bedroom apartments.

Louise Buckton, Construction Director, said: “Building much-needed rented homes in Sunderland is at the forefront of our plans here at Gentoo.

“We currently have more than 8,000 people over the age of 55 on our housing register, and we are delighted to bring much-needed affordable housing, whilst also promoting and preserving biodiversity.”

The building is eco-friendly and will feature renewable energy technology, such as air source heat pumps. It will also be built without a gas supply, minimising its carbon emissions.

The site features a walled garden, which will also be restored and brought back into use alongside the new apartment complex. Environmental enhancement features including bat boxes, swift nesting boxes, sparrow terraces, bumblebee boxes and bee bricks, have also been incorporated into the build to boost biodiversity and local wildlife.

Mark Rutledge, Operations Director, Vistry North East, said: "We are extremely happy to be working with Gentoo, to deliver this project. We have an excellent relationship with their team, working collaboratively to deliver a high-quality scheme that is 'fit for purpose’. We are also delighted that the site has already won a Quality Recognition Award, from Premier Guarantee.

“Now, as we are approaching the 'watertight' milestone in the build programme, we will push on with the fitout and ensure that the project is finished to the very highest standard - as on all of our schemes."

Properties in the building will be modern and extremely spacious, meeting nationally described space standards (NDSS). There will also be free on-site parking, including electric car charging points, and an internal buggy storage area with direct access into the building.

All 72 properties will be made available for rent via our housing allocations system.

Read more information on Penshaw Gardens. 

Latest articles

15 October 2025

Green-fingered Sunderland couple win top prize in Gentoo gardening competition

A passionate gardening duo from Sunderland are celebrating after being crowned winners of Gentoo’...

photo of woman and a quote from article
13 October 2025

Customer reflections on Domestic Abuse and the Housing Community Summit

Hear from Steph, a member of our Customer Committee on her reflections from the...

8 October 2025

We are committed to end violence against women and girls by gaining White Ribbon UK accreditation

We have been awarded White Ribbon UK accreditation for our commitment to workin...