Demolition of flats to regenerate the centre of Felling set to continue
Council leaders have praised the progress being made toward the regeneration of the centre of Felling as work to demolish redundant blocks of flats continues.
Since January this year, Gateshead Council contractors have been demolishing Sir Godfrey Thomson Court, which consists of a group of six blocks of flats.
Work has progressed well to date, with the buildings coming down in a controlled way, to minimise disruption to residents.
The next steps will be to temporarily close some footpaths nearest to the buildings, so the remaining blocks can be safely pulled down and rubble removed. Traffic management will be in place from April 7, which will see temporary traffic lights on the junction of Split Crow Road and Wellington Court put in place.
The clearing of the site of the former homes is seen as a major step forward in the redevelopment of Felling, as the land will be used to build new good quality homes.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, said:
"I am pleased the work to demolish these flats has happened so quickly and look forward to the final parts of the building being pulled down in the coming weeks.
"I want to thank residents for their patience as the demolition continues, and for bearing with us as we look to create a far better Felling for everyone.
"This regeneration is a key priority for the council, as we know this will improve prosperity for residents. Sir Godfrey Thomson Court was no longer a desirable place to live, and we have recognised the need to modernise the housing offer in Felling. Redevelopment proposals are being drawn up and it is anticipated that the new homes built on the site will be affordable, energy efficient, and meet the modern needs and aspirations of our residents."
Contractors have taken a considered approach to the demolition, with each structure stripped of all internal fixtures and fittings, allowing for maximum recycling. Work will progress from next week, with the careful and controlled mechanical demolition of the remaining parts of the buildings, safely demolishing the structure piece by piece. Controls will remain in place to suppress the dust and debris created by the process.
The redevelopment of the site of Sir Godfrey Thomson Court is the council's latest step in the regeneration of Felling, with the planned demolition of nearby 16-storey Crowhall Towers to follow later in the year.
Councillor Buckley added:
"With both sites adjacent to the town centre, by replacing redundant housing with desirable new homes, we'll not only improve the appearance of the immediate area, but we'll also bring residents back to the heart of Felling. The town has huge potential as place to live and work, and we are committed to working with local residents to help realise this vision."
Further details regarding the public consultation on the proposals for the site will be shared by the council in the coming months.
Council leaders have praised the progress being made toward the regeneration of the centre of Felling as work to demolish redundant blocks of flats continues.
Since January this year, Gateshead Council contractors have been demolishing Sir Godfrey Thomson Court, which consists of a group of six blocks of flats.
Work has progressed well to date, with the buildings coming down in a controlled way, to minimise disruption to residents.
The next steps will be to temporarily close some footpaths nearest to the buildings, so the remaining blocks can be safely pulled down and rubble removed. Traffic management will be in place from April 7, which will see temporary traffic lights on the junction of Split Crow Road and Wellington Court put in place.
The clearing of the site of the former homes is seen as a major step forward in the redevelopment of Felling, as the land will be used to build new good quality homes.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, said:
"I am pleased the work to demolish these flats has happened so quickly and look forward to the final parts of the building being pulled down in the coming weeks.
"I want to thank residents for their patience as the demolition continues, and for bearing with us as we look to create a far better Felling for everyone.
"This regeneration is a key priority for the council, as we know this will improve prosperity for residents. Sir Godfrey Thomson Court was no longer a desirable place to live, and we have recognised the need to modernise the housing offer in Felling. Redevelopment proposals are being drawn up and it is anticipated that the new homes built on the site will be affordable, energy efficient, and meet the modern needs and aspirations of our residents."
Contractors have taken a considered approach to the demolition, with each structure stripped of all internal fixtures and fittings, allowing for maximum recycling. Work will progress from next week, with the careful and controlled mechanical demolition of the remaining parts of the buildings, safely demolishing the structure piece by piece. Controls will remain in place to suppress the dust and debris created by the process.
The redevelopment of the site of Sir Godfrey Thomson Court is the council's latest step in the regeneration of Felling, with the planned demolition of nearby 16-storey Crowhall Towers to follow later in the year.
Councillor Buckley added:
"With both sites adjacent to the town centre, by replacing redundant housing with desirable new homes, we'll not only improve the appearance of the immediate area, but we'll also bring residents back to the heart of Felling. The town has huge potential as place to live and work, and we are committed to working with local residents to help realise this vision."
Further details regarding the public consultation on the proposals for the site will be shared by the council in the coming months.
