Transforming housing quality and choice

Work has begun on the second of two housing schemes which are transforming the quality and choice of homes across Gateshead. A development of 49 large family homes are to be built by Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP) on the site of the former Hookergate School, at High Spen.  

The £350 million GRP is one of the UK's largest housing-led regeneration programmes and is a joint venture with Vistry North East and Home Group. The objectives of the partnership is to improve housing quality and choice, create economic uplift and enhance community cohesion. 

Impact of the project

• The partnership will deliver high quality, sustainable homes which will benefit not only residents now but future generations 
• Residents will not only benefit from better quality housing but will also have more choice. 
• The GRP has already started work on 62 affordable homes at Hyde Park Street, in Bensham - all for rent or shared ownership, with 20 of the 62 specially designed for the local Jewish community. 
• So far, the partnership has delivered 520 homes across 10 sites.  
• Job and training opportunities, including apprenticeships, have been created- a minimum of 25% of which go to local people  
• A quarter of the supply budget is committed to businesses within the borough. 

Supporting residents to thrive

Giving residents the best possible housing, in terms of quality, sustainability and choice is one way in which we can help our residents to thrive.  

Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing, 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."

Sean Egan, managing director with Vistry North East, said: "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." 

 

Laura Hattrick, senior development and delivery manager, at Home Group, said: "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. 

"The variety and tenure of the homes we have built to date reflect the needs across 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."