A NEW style of high specification women’s refuge has opened in North Tyneside, offering bespoke temporary homes to women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

The scheme, containing a mix of 14 flats and houses, has been developed by housing association Isos Housing, in partnership with North Tyneside Council, and is managed by domestic abuse charity Harbour.

The refuge has been built alongside a further nine houses and flats for social rent, with the combined development attracting funding of £1.3m from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The refuge has been built around a central courtyard and contains one three-bedroom wheelchair accessible flat, seven three-bed houses, four one-bed flats and two two-bed flats.

It has been developed to replace outdated bedsit-style accommodation in another part of the borough.

Artwork from North East artists Neil Canavan, Dick Ward and Emily Ward was commissioned as part of the project and developed with the help of local women and children to create a real sense of home.

The refuge contains a crèche, where much of the artwork is located, as well as a teenagers’ room with a games console.

The main contractor for the development was Surgo Construction, the architect was HMH, employers agent was Faithful and Gould and the engineers were 3E.

Harbour believes that providing good-quality accommodation and furnishings can be the vital first step in rebuilding abused women’s sense of self-worth.

While living at the new refuge women receive support, both with practical tasks such as finding permanent accommodation, but also in building their confidence so they are ready to live independently.

Jackie Axelby, chair of Isos Housing, said: “We are proud to be providing a facility of this quality, and one that is fulfilling such a vital role in the community.

“At a time when budgets for supporting some of society’s most vulnerable people are being squeezed, it’s especially pleasing to be opening up a new facility of this kind.”

Bill Carr, area manager for the HCA in the North East, said: “It is excellent that our investment has meant this scheme can go ahead. These temporary homes will not only make a difference locally but will also complement a similar scheme that was recently opened in Durham.

“Our partners have done a fantastic job in creating a place that is not only safe, but also welcoming.”