Work has started on the first affordable homes in Scotswood’s £265m redevelopment.
A group of local residents were joined by representatives from the public/private partnership driving the regeneration project – New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC) - to lay the first bricks of the 58 affordable homes which will be built at The Rise.
Martin Hawthorne, Group Director of Development and Regeneration with the Fabrick Housing Group, the parent company of Tees Valley Housing said: “This promises to be a superb scheme which will change people’s lives for the better and once again help a neighbourhood develop and thrive in an area famed for its community spirit.”
Alan Sears, Area Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “Scotswood is one of the HCA’s priorities in the North East and it is great that new homes are starting to be built after years of change for the local community. This scheme will provide a choice of good quality, affordable homes that we hope will attract people from across the area as well as employment and training opportunities for local people.”
A partnership between Newcastle City Council, Barratt/David Wilson Homes and Keepmoat, NTWDC is leading the project in which the first phase of development will comprise 377 homes - including the 58 affordable houses for rent and shared ownership, which will be available through Tees Valley Housing – part of the Fabrick Housing Group.
Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive with Newcastle City Council: “It is testament to the local residents of Scotswood and NTWDC’s commitment and drive that we have reached this landmark stage in Scotswood’s regeneration. In our Local Plan, we have prepared the ground for a successful future with a commitment to creating 14,000 new jobs and building 21,000 new homes for a growing population, with most of those much-needed homes on brownfield sites like Scotswood.”
Margaret Cooney, of Heighley Street, co-chair of the joint working group and a Scotswood resident for 65 years added: “This will help address the shortage of affordable housing in this area and the integration of these homes within the scheme will create a seamless community.”
Over the next 15 years 1,800 sustainable homes will be created, rejuvenating Newcastle’s west end. With backing from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the plan is to provide mainly family homes with over 60% being three and four-bedroomed houses.
The design of The Rise provides green links through to the existing neighbourhood and tiered gardens across the sloping 66 hectare site. All of the properties constructed will incorporate eco-friendly features, with hot water and heating supplied from a neighbourhood energy centre. The project will also include community and commercial facilities, parks and public open spaces.
Duncan Bowman, Development Director with NTWDC said: "This is a really exciting milestone in the delivery of this project. The start of work on the affordable homes at Scotswood supports our vision of the creation of a sustainable community and our aim to provide affordable housing in Newcastle’s west end.”
Throughout the building project, NTWDC will continue to work with the local community, schools, training and employment providers, along with business support agencies to increase opportunities for local people and firms.
Already a commitment has been made to employ six apprentices during this first phase of building and workshops have been held to help small local firms bid to be part of the programme.
