|4 minute read
New housing will help ‘transform’ Gateshead
Steve Heywood, media manager
Two housing projects are underway in Gateshead, aiming to “improve the choice and standard” of local housing options and support the development of affordable homes.
Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP) has begun building 49 family homes on the former Hookergate School site in High Spen, all designated for open market sale, while also supporting affordable housing development.
Meanwhile, work has started on 62 affordable homes in Bensham, including 20 specially designed for the local Jewish community.
GRP, a collaboration between Gateshead Council, Vistry North East and Home Group, has delivered 570 homes across 10 sites, creating jobs, training opportunities and investing in local businesses.
Laura Hattrick, senior development and delivery manager, at Home Group, added: “The Gateshead Regeneration Partnership goes from strength to strength. And we are delighted to be part of it, delivering much needed homes in the borough
“It is great to see homes for sale now being offered to those who need them, while the proceeds go to develop more affordable homes for people in the region.”
Councillor Chris Buckley, cabinet member for housing at Gateshead Council, said: “The Gateshead Regeneration Partnership is really transforming sites across the borough.
“These new homes in High Spen, along with the GRP homes in Bensham, are providing high quality, sustainable homes fit for the future.”
The partnership plans to add 169 homes over the next year, with developments at the Freight Village, Trilogy III in Bensham, and The Cedars in Birtley.
Vistry North East, part of Vistry Group, will build the High Spen homes under the Bovis Homes brand, marking the brand's regional introduction.
Sean Egan, managing director at Vistry North East, added: “We are delighted to see construction at the former school site begin and look forward to delivering these high quality and much needed family homes.
“The excellent location and setting make this the ideal place to introduce our Bovis Homes brand to the North East. I’m sure it will prove popular with buyers.
“It is also a real positive that the sale of these homes will support the creation of new affordable rented homes close to the centre of Gateshead, improving the choice and standard of housing options in the Bensham area.”