2 BUSINESS QUARTER North East: Autumn 2015
SPECIAL REPORT
Altogether now
Overall support serves tenants
Home sweet home An end to long term West End decline
People’s verdict
Public opinion guides £100m Sunderland revival
REBUILDING THE REGION
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EDITOR’S VIEW REBUILDING THE REGION Welcome to this edition of BQ2 in which we focus on regeneration in the North East. As a region which was at the forefront of the industrial revolution and which was home
CONTENTS 07
BUSINESS UPDATE
12
ART OF LIVING
14
THE TREBLE CHANCE
20
BUILDING COMMUNITIES
26
HOMES FOR THOUSANDS
30
RESHAPING A CIT Y
36
FIGHT FOR SKILLS
38
EYES ON OUSEBURN
41
PEOPLE’S VERDICT
to some of the UK’s leading heavy industries, the North East has inevitably suffered in the painful transition to a new economic landscape. New industries have been successfully established, most notably the automotive and digital sectors and others are being developed.
Factory revival; youthful clean-up; building on track; housing accolade
Gentoo pulls together the physical, social and economic
However, the demise of old industries left scars and healing these has been a long and expensive process. Much excellent work was done on the 1980s and 1990s through the efforts of organisations such as the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation, which drove the amazing regeneration of Newcastle’s Quayside. Sadly, the recent recession led to the shelving or abandonment of many plans. Now, however, work is underway again with, for example, the promise of the long-awaited development of Sunderland’s Vaux site. Regeneration means much more than the redevelopment of old industrial sites, important though that is. When industries decline so does housing stock and other infrastructure and this brings associated social problems. Regeneration, therefore, must be wide-ranging and ambitious. In these pages we take a look at some of the work being done in a number of areas, not just in terms of bricks and mortar but also in renewing communities. We are sure you will agree that the picture is an encouraging one and, hopefully, an inspiring one too, so that this latest phase of regeneration will gather its own momentum and lead on to a true renewal of the North East.
In association with
Bill Fullen’s threefold drive on County Durham homes
Derwentside Homes brings about a breath of life
Ending decline in Newcastle’s West End
Council boss Pat Ritchie on Newcastle’s tomorrow
NELEP chief Bob Paton pinpoints people’s goals
Riverside scheme makes waves around the world
Public opinion guides £100m Sunderland revival
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room501 Publishing Ltd, Spectrum 6, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT. www.bqlive.co.uk. Business Quarter (BQ) is a leading national business brand recognised for celebrating and inspiring entrepreneurship. The multi-platform brand currently reaches entrepreneurs and senior business executives across the North East, Scotland, Yorkshire and the West Midlands. BQ has established a UK wide regional approach to business engagement reaching a highly targeted audience of entrepreneurs and senior executives in high growth businesses both in-print, online and through branded events. All contents copyright Š 2015 room501 Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All profiles are paid for advertising. All information is correct at time of going to print, September 2015.
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BUSINESS UPDATE
Reece Group Chairman John Reece (with tanks) Inside the Armstrong Works
New life for historic factory
said: “The commitment of the Reece Group
companies have invested in apprenticeships
An iconic North East factory has reopened after
to the region is truly impressive. They have
with over 10% of employees on apprenticeship
a £20m transformation, creating 100 jobs and
ensured the historic Armstrong Works with
programmes. Reece Group chief executive
preserving the region’s legacy as a world leader
its industrial heritage remains in the hands of
Phil Kite said: “The move to the Armstrong
in engineering. Once dubbed the world’s first
local innovative engineers.”
Works has been two years in the planning.
defence factory and the Workshop of the World,
Reece Group chairman John Reece said: “We
Our Pearson’s defence business now has
Newcastle’s historic Armstrong Works on the
are delighted to move into the iconic Armstrong
the capability to refurbish, integrate systems
Scotswood Road produced the hydraulics for
Works, synonymous with the best of British
and manufacture armoured vehicles and our
Newcastle’s Swing Bridge and London’s Tower
Engineering. The new facility provides our
Responsive Engineering business is now able
Bridge, as well as parts for the Spitfire and the
group’s companies with an outstanding
to offer a complete subcontract manufacturing
first breech-loading gun for the Crimean War.
capability which is already attracting a wide
service with over 40 CNC machine tools, an
When former owners of the site, BAE Systems,
range of new customers to each of our
extensive range of laser, water and plasma
announced in 2012 they were closing the
engineering businesses as well as increasing our
cutters and over 200 welders and platers.
factory with the loss of 330 jobs, it was feared
scope to supply existing customers.”
“Our impact on the Scotswood Road will be
it would be the end of heavy engineering on
“We believe engineering and manufacturing
felt beyond the employment we bring to the
the Tyne and the factory which had employed
still has a valid and prosperous future in the
area. The Reece Foundation was set up by the
generations. But now with a multi-million pound
North East and we place great emphasis on
Reece family to support good causes primarily
cash injection the structure that stretches the
research and development. Our investment at
associated with encouraging more children
length of five football pitches has been revived
Scotswood Road includes the creation of the
to take up STEM subjects and follow a career
and reinvented as the new home of leading
Reece Innovation Centre whose focus will be to
in engineering. Over the last 10 years it has
engineering company Reece Group and its 500
design the group’s next generation of innovative
donated £15m to good causes. In the West End
employees. The North East family firm is the
engineering products.”
of Newcastle the Reece Group has supported
holding company with engineering businesses
“More poignantly for me personally is that
organisations associated with business start-ups,
operating in the defence, oil and gas, power
the Reece Group will be located at the very
youth development, education and sport.”
generation, construction, medical and subsea
site where my father, the late Dr Alan Reece,
Known to many as the Vickers tank factory, the
markets. Newcastle and England footballing
developed his enthusiasm for what he called ‘real
Armstrong Works has been a centre of British
legend Alan Shearer officially opened the
engineering’ in his first job as an apprentice for
engineering for more than 160 years, since it
factory, which features in the song the Blaydon
Vickers Armstrong.”
was founded by one of the country’s greatest
Races. The former Newcastle United forward
As well as investing in facilities, Reece Group
industrialists and philanthropists Lord Armstrong.
We’ve got it cracked
P EE N U FR SIG OR WF NO
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BREAKFAS T
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Breathing new life into the heart of South Shields Delivering a £100million masterplan for South Shields Town Centre will create new opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors.
Construction has commenced on phase one which includes: • The Word, the North East Centre for the Written Word • Improvements to Market Place • A new 40 space car park at Harton Quays
Future phases include: • A new transport interchange • An improved leisure and retail offer REALISING OUR POTENTIAL TO BE NORTH EAST ENGLAND’S PREMIER COASTAL RESORT 365 DAYS A YEAR
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08
BUSINESS UPDATE bqlive.co.uk/breakfast
The Jesmond: Structure in place for landmark new building
Landmark building on track
Tyneside suburb and deliver a tremendous
Construction has involved complicated
A revival of the former Jesmond Picture
amount of value to local businesses and
sequencing due to the tight site as the building
House site in Newcastle is on-track to finish
residents alike.
takes up the entire footprint.
in autumn with the steel framework of
“The Jesmond will be a landmark building
The Jesmond concept was penned by architect
the building in place. Building work at the
which is ideally suited to a growing business as
Kevin Owens, the design principal for the
landmark site, known as The Jesmond, has been
it offers occupiers a high profile that is normally
London 2012 Olympic Games and is being
underway since September last year. The £6.4m
only associated with trophy buildings in the city
delivered by local architect Stuart Palmer
redevelopment scheme next to West Jesmond
centre, but at a significantly lower cost.”
of Studio SP. The Jesmond is being project
Metro station, which includes office and retail
Since the official unveiling of the building plans
managed by Knight Frank in Newcastle and built
space, is being led by property investment firm
in November, the development has attracted
by local firm Metnor Construction.
MK Partnership and will create around 100
interest from potential office and retail occupiers
The project has been supported by
jobs. Sunil Mehra of the MK Partnership, said:
and Sainsbury’s is already confirmed to occupy
the Department for Communities and
“Work at The Jesmond has been progressing to
the larger of the two retail spaces.
Local Government’s (DCLG) and a grant
plan since last year, meaning we are expecting
In addition to more than 2,000 sq m of
from the European Regional Development
to complete the project on schedule. The sight
workspace, The Jesmond features outside
Fund (ERDF) due to the employment
of the steel structure is a visual milestone for
terraces on two of its three floors.
opportunities it will deliver to SMEs.
everyone involved with the project and for the nearby local community that the site is coming back to life. “Updating such a historic site has come with many challenges but ultimately the investment is worth it. The Jesmond will help regenerate the area, provide a new focal point for this vibrant
“Updating such a historic site has come with many challenges but ultimately the investment is worth it”
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10
BUSINESS UPDATE bqlive.co.uk/breakfast
TOP TWEETS “Great to see Keel Square formally opened. Looks good. Lets hope it is just the start of the development in that part of the City Centre” @certaxsundland “Feeling genuinely optimistic about the future for #Sunderland after the #Siglion launch today. Exciting times ahead @SiglionJohn” @jwallace70
(l-r) volunteers Naseem Haque; Courtney Turner and Hannah Bowers
“New street names, ground readied and waiting. All change in the Toon. Newcastle Science Central.” - @coyknorth “Ambitious new development for brand new centre for the spoken word being built in South Shields by @ SouthTyneLibs” - @HENLEYDARREN “Well done to the Rise Scotswood, Newcastle winner of the Excellence in Planning to Deliver Housing #RTPIAwards #housing #proudofplanning” - @planitpres
Youngsters clean up
on issues that are important to them and they
Up to twenty teenagers have helped to keep the
volunteered their services as part of the National
Byker Estate in Newcastle upon Tyne clean and
Citizen Service (NCS). Residents living on the
tidy as part of a volunteering project they have
estate also joined staff from the BCT, which
undertaken over the summer.
owns and manages 1,800 homes on the Byker
The teenagers aged 16 to 20 volunteered
Estate, Your Homes Newcastle and Newcastle
to work with the Byker Community Trust’s
City Council to carry out the mass tidy-up.
(BCT) Rapid Response Team for one day by
Dan Thompson, rapid response manager for
joining in with a community litter pick, which
the BCT, said: “It’s always welcoming to have
also educated them about the dangers of
volunteers come forward and offer their help
littering and the effects litter has on the
have a small team with limited
working on a project right
“The Malings development in the Lower Ouseburn Valley continues to take shape - some residents now in occupation.” - @TyneSnapper “‘Futuristic building’ The Word taking shape in South Shields #regeneration #library” @FaulknerBrowns
For frequent business chat at your finger tips on demand
with community projects like this. We only
environment. The teenagers are
FACT OF THE QUARTER
across the North East with the charity, Headliners UK, which inspires and encourages the personal development of young people through journalism. Young people are trained
resources operating across a large area, so the more pairs of hands we have, the bigger the difference we can make.
www.gov.uk figures out affordable homes
to research and produce stories
“Across the city, there is a major issue with illegal fly tipping so we try to educate the community about the dangers this brings. We have
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“It is always welcoming to have volunteers come forward and offer their help with community projects like this. We only have a small team with limited resources”
BUSINESS UPDATE bqlive.co.uk
11
Accolade for Gateshead scheme Judges have named the Gateshead Regeneration Partnership as one
division – is marketing the homes for sale while Home Group will own
of the UK’s top public/private ventures in the UK. The £350m initiative,
and manage the properties available for affordable home ownership
which aims to deliver 2,400 high quality new homes over the next 15
and rent – around 25% of the total. All the homes will exceed current
years, has been selected as one of only five shortlisted entries for the
space and design standards and will be delivered to achieve, as a
best joint venture category in the Inside Housing magazine awards. It
minimum, level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. They also meet
is the only shortlisted entry from the North East. The winner will be
Lifetime Homes, Secure by Design and Homes and Communities
chosen at a ceremony in the Lancaster Hotel, London, on 16 October.
Agency standards. Cllr Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council,
The awards celebrate success and innovation in delivering new homes,
said: “While the overall success of this venture will be judged on
highlighting achievement in ten key areas, from design to sustainability.
the popularity of the homes and the quality of life for our residents
Gateshead Regeneration Partnership is a joint venture made up of
in the new neighbourhoods we create, it is pleasing to be up for a
the borough council and developer partners Galliford Try Partnerships
second award so early in the project.” Home Group chairman Bob
North and Home Group. Before a brick had been laid the venture was
Davies said: “The partners have come together to share their expertise
named as the Best Public/Private Partnership in the Local Government
which will result in thousands of homes for people throughout the
Chronicle Awards. Residents have now begun moving in to The
borough. This includes those who want to buy outright, those who
Sycamores in Birtley and the Trilogy I development off Saltwell Road,
rent and those who prefer shared ownership.The project will help to
Bensham is underway. Linden Homes – Galliford Try’s housebuilding
regenerate neighbourhoods and create thriving communities.”
issued flyers to all residents to raise awareness
making a difference. It is pleasing to see these
of littering and have worked successfully in the
young volunteers step forward to help keep
A new chapter
past with our tenants and resident associations
Byker tidy but at the same time, to learn how
Metrovick House, a former 1930s
on community litter picks which have made a
to be more responsible with litter and about the
office block is being converted to
huge difference.”
impact it has on our environment.”
six storeys of student homes on
Jill Haley, chief executive of the BCT, said:
Volunteer, Adil Muktadir said: “We have been
Northumberland Road, near Newcastle
“While improvement works are being
meeting some of the tenants and chatting to
and Northumbria Universities.
undertaken on the Byker Wall and throughout
them, I think it’s good to help out with the
The building, once owned by electrical
the Estate, it is also important that our
community.” Taku Mandishonha added: “I have
engineers Metropolitan-Vickers, was
neighbourhoods are kept clean and tidy. By
enjoyed being part of a team working on such
bought by S Harrison Developments, of
working in partnership with key organisations,
a rewarding project today, helping make things
York, to make the £8m conversion.
the council and the local community, we are
better for the people who live in Byker.”
12
PROFILE gentoo
Combining physical, social and economic regeneration for the Art of Living From day one Gentoo set out to deliver far more than bricks and mortar. Back in 2001, the Group believed in its ability to create sustainable communities people would be proud to call home – where future generations could have the lifestyle they deserve. Improving the Art of Living has been at the forefront of Gentoo’s work and the group’s modernisation programmes, extensive new build schemes and PV programmes have delivered widespread benefits to the local economy, members of the community and the environment. Today, Gentoo is a large North East based social enterprise with work focused around three key areas to maximise its impact: people, planet and property. The group invests the income from its property activities along with the talent and energy of its
Work progresses on site at Hillcrag, High Ford - L-R Peter Walls, chief executive, Gentoo Group; Cllr Graeme Miller,
team into finding solutions for some of society’s
Health, Housing and Adult Services portfolio holder, Sunderland City Council; Cllr Paul Watson, leader, Sunderland
most pressing concerns.
City Council; Carol Curran, Mayoress of Sunderland; Cllr Barry Curran, Mayor of Sunderland; John Walker, chairman,
Ultimately they aim to enable people to realise their
Gentoo Group
true potential and achieve their aspirations. On a national scale, Gentoo campaign and influence
underway at Ryhope, Doxford, Downhill and High
customers to achieve their Art of Living.
strategies that may affect its colleagues and
Ford in Sunderland, it proves that high quality
Understanding what has changed in a customer’s
customers. Locally, they are one of the biggest
housing can still be created in spite of difficult public
life enables them to calculate the social value. The
employers and landlords in Sunderland.
funding conditions.
most recent accounts found that in total, the Group’s
Being a responsible business and undertaking
As a responsible business, Gentoo has always
services have created a social impact of £29.6m,
activity in an ethical way is what drives the business
recognised the importance of combining physical,
making the average social return of £7.34 for every
and this was highlighted when Gentoo recently
social and economic regeneration and its property
£1 invested across its services.
topped Business in the Community’s annual
activity has been underpinned by a range of
Gentoo’s commitment to creating great places
benchmark of responsible business, the Corporate
people-focussed Gentoo initiatives to enable
to live continues with further new sustainable
Responsibility Index (CR Index).
people to realise their true potential and achieve
developments planned across Sunderland and the
Gentoo was the only organisation in the Index to
their aspirations.
region. Using resources, be they people, properties,
achieve a full score of 100%, representing a 5 star
Gentoo Group chief executive Peter Walls said:
relationships or networks, Gentoo aims to make the
rating. This maximum score shows the company has
“In our communities our activity ranges from
maximum positive difference to society and improve
fully integrated responsible business practices across
volunteering; helping with loneliness; engaging
the Art of Living.
everything it does, right through from strategy, to
mature people; enabling independent living; or
operations and impacts.
working with young people who are not prepared to
In the last year Gentoo has completed a number of
access either education or employment.
exemplar developments complementing the more
“We have young people telling us we have changed
than 2,000 homes it has already built across the
their life and in some cases, saved their life. This is
region. Haddington Vale in Doxford Park is just one
what drives us. Making a real positive difference is
example, an extra care scheme, it brings the highest
right at the heart of Gentoo.”
To find out more about Gentoo, visit gentoogroup.com,
standards of living and support to local residents,
The Group continues to measure the impact of
follow @gentoogroup on Twitter or call 0191 525 5000.
enabling older customers to live independently
its work; their recent social accounts evidence
If you’d like to find out more about any of Gentoo’s
for longer. With further new developments now
the extent to which its services are supporting
individual developments visit gentoogroup.com/homes.
PROUD TO BE THE UK’S MOST RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS Gentoo achieved top position in Business in the Community’s latest annual benchmark of responsible business, the Corporate Responsibility Index. As a responsible business we have always recognised the importance of combining physical, social and economic regeneration and our array of property activity is underpinned by people focussed initiatives. A large social enterprise, Gentoo’s vision is all about improving the Art of Living. We want to encourage and enable people to achieve their aspirations through a range of ethical projects and initiatives that bring our vision to life.
Discover the Art of Living at gentoogroup.com 0191 525 5000 Follow us
14
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
County Durham Housing Group is a new organisation with a new head and big new role to play, as Peter Jackson reports
Housing group believes in life without barriers Bill Fullen is the new man at the helm of a new
would be the best option.
plan. The way the group works is that we are
organisation. He is the first group chief executive
However, consultation with tenants revealed
all dependent on each other. Although they are
of County Durham Housing Group which only
strong support for retaining local landlords, so
three separate entities we have already seen
began operations this year. The group was set
County Durham Housing Group was set up as
some of the benefits from cross organisational
up to receive the transfer of Durham County
an umbrella organisation with three subsidiaries
work, in some of the work around IT and
Council’s housing stock, for which process Fullen
in which local identity would be preserved: East
developing the best housing policies across the
was made interim managing director in January
Durham Homes in Peterlee; Dale & Valley Homes
group. We build on the best.’’
2014. The county council inherited the housing
in Bishop Auckland, and Durham City Homes.
Bill has spent his entire professional career
stock with the local government reorganisation
The group, based in Seaham, provides back
in housing. He started in 1980 with Tyneside
of 2009 when the districts of Easington,
office support.
Housing Aid Centre, “Shelter’s outpost in the
Durham City and Wear Valley still owned
“It is there to drive efficiencies across the group,
North East’’ as a housing advice worker. He
council housing.
to make sure that we can have a consistent
moved to Gateshead Council in 1986 where he
“The County Council didn’t have a history of
approach on areas and policies such as financial
fulfilled a number of roles, finishing as director
owning housing stock,’’ he says. “It had seen
performance, health and safety and risk
of neighbourhood operations where he set up
that in the other districts that had transferred
management,’’ explains Fullen.
the council’s one-stop-shop.
their stock [to housing associations], the housing
“We are developing a corporate plan, which
In 2004 Gateshead Council set up The
service had derived some significant benefits.
pulls together all of the objectives of subsidiaries
Gateshead Housing Company as an arms length
So the council decided that, if it couldn’t
to make sure we are clear about what each of
management organistation, he was appointed
deliver a similar standard of service by retaining
the individual entities will deliver and what the
chief executive.
ownership, it would look at the options for
role of the parent is in enabling that to happen.
“I took the organisation on a journey from
future ownership and management.’’
We work with the subsidiaries to make sure
establishment to achieving an Audit Commission
In 2011 it came to the conclusion that transfer
they have a degree of ownership of the final
three-star rating in 2009,’’ says Fullen.
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
15
“The County Council didn’t have a history of owning housing stock,’’ he says. “It had seen that in the other districts that had transferred their stock [to housing associations], the housing service had derived some significant benefits. So the council decided that, if it couldn’t deliver a similar standard of service by retaining ownership, it would look at the options for future ownership and management.’’
16
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
“We were deemed to be delivering
wedded back to our aims and objectives. It’s
excellent services with excellent prospects
about generating a profit to recycle it back into
for improvement.’’
delivering better services. For me, it’s not about
In 2009, under his leadership, The Gateshead
pursuing commercial ventures for the hell of it,
Housing Company started building new council
it has to be a route back into what our prime
accommodation for the first time in the borough
purpose is.’’
for a generation. After that Fullen had “a break
County Durham Housing Group’s programme
from work’’, apart from an interim role with
is an ambitious one. Under the rules of
South Tyneside Homes.
the transfer, it could only happen with the
Now he heads an organisation - classed as a
agreement of the majority of tenants voting, so
community benefit society - that has some
the council had to devise an offer laying out the
18,500 properties housing about 22,000
benefits of the move for the tenants.
tenants and more than 400 employees. County
“The offer to tenants was that we would be
Durham Housing Group acquired its stock
able to continue to keep homes up to the
from the County Council. It funds investments
current standard, that over 30 years we would
through rental income and through borrowings
deliver just under £1bn worth of investment,
against its stock to the tune of £150m.
that in the first seven years we would deliver
“That gives us the funds that we need to deliver
3,500 kitchens, 3,000 bathrooms and 1,500
our investment programme,’’ says Fullen.
central heating systems,’’ says Fullen, reciting
Would the association commercialise any of its
figures which are clearly etched into his memory.
activities to produce other income streams?
Undertakings did not only relate to the physical
Fullen is cautious. “My view is that if getting
condition of the stock but also to the condition
involved in commercial activities has a direct
and appearance of the estates.
benefit to our tenants or customers then, yes,
“A significant part of our offer was around
we will consider it. For example, we may want
investment in environmental improvements
to get involved in market rental or homes for
and the external fabric of the properties were
sale in appropriate locations – as long as that’s
enhanced,’’ he says. “As part of the offer
“For me the biggest challenge is to be able to deliver the offer to tenants so they see the benefits of the group created. It’s not about doing more of the same”
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
to tenants the council contributed sufficient
In the west of the county, remoter rural areas
land to the group to build around 700 new
present different challenges for the organisation
homes in the first seven years of the life of the
to deliver its services. In the eastern coastal
organisation.’’
fringe lie former mining areas and more stock is
He adds: “For me the biggest challenge is to be
distributed among villages on the periphery of
able to deliver the offer to tenants so that they
Durham City.
see the benefits of the group being created.
County Durham Housing Group also works in
It’s not about doing more of the same, it’s
other ways to strengthen the communities in
about making sure we deliver better services in
which it operates.
a different way and respond to the needs the
“Given the age profile of our tenants, we need
tenants have.’’
to make sure that we have effective partnerships
The availability of land to build 700 new homes
with health,’’ says Fullen. “We need to make
will allow the organisation to address some of
sure we maintain people in their homes longer.
the county’s imbalance of supply and demand
Bringing the three organisations together will
in some locations where it has good quality
hopefully result in us having more of an impact
accommodation but of the wrong type, such as an abundance of one bedroom bungalows and too many three bedroom houses in some villages where there are fewer families. “It’s about addressing those supply and demand issues so we can work to make those villages more sustainable in the longer term,’’ he says.
17
18
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
in our partnerships with health.’’
derive some benefits from installing PVs [Photo
the County Council.“They have made it quite
The organisation is also working to improve
Voltaic panels] on the roofs of some properties.’’
clear that they see us as one of the key partners
digital inclusion, which will particularly help
County Durham Housing Group’s work goes
in delivering a wider regeneration of this area,’’
tenants in the remoter western properties,
beyond bricks and mortar. Fullen believes that
says Fullen. “We have also started to link in
giving better access to a range of services that
the organisation’s £1bn investment makes it
more effectively with some schools, engaging
are increasingly being moved online. This can
incumbent upon them to maximise employment
with them to ensure that we can encourage
also help in increasing employability.
and training opportunities for the local people.
the parents to be more involved in some of the
A new challenge has been presented in
He adds: “When we spoke to tenants as part
initiatives that we are delivering. We have a
the recent Budget, in which the Chancellor
of the consultation, they were insistent that
huge agenda to deliver and we can’t do it alone
decreed an annual 1% decrease in housing
they wanted their kids to benefit from the work
so we have to work with the other partners that
association rents over four years. “We are
that we were doing. That was nice to hear –
are out there. Individual landlords have done bits
currently assessing the impact of that and we
that it wasn’t about getting a new kitchen or
and pieces of that but coming together gives us
will make sure we manage the impact, but we
bathroom but they also wanted to make sure
the volume to make a bigger impact.’
shall not lose sight of some of the aspirations
that their families also benefited.’’
“Our vision is we believe in life without
that we have,’’ says Fullen. “We may need to
The organisation has already created nine
barriers”. For me it’s about making sure that we
think about how we work more efficiently and
apprenticeships and it is advertising for two
can increase people’s aspirations, to help people
still deliver some of the softer areas around
more. Its digital inclusion service encourages
take opportunities to increase their ability to get
employability and energy efficiency.’’ He also
people to get involved in training and become
into work and make sure we can achieve proud
sees a challenge in the introduction of the universal credit whereby rents will be paid to the tenant, whereas traditionally they were paid directly to the landlord. “We are looking at how we can refocus the work of our employees to make sure that we sustain tenancies in those
“We may need to think about how we work more efficiently and still deliver some of the softer areas around employability and energy efficiency”
very early months of a tenancy when people are more vulnerable to giving up tenancies. So we may see a refocus of our work into
more confident in using IT. This is important as,
communities. As a result of that people can earn
pre-tenancy work to engage with people to
for example, the presumption with universal
and benefit from the work that we are doing.
ensure that they can get into employment
credit is that people will apply online. The
Also it’s about making sure that the employees
and training, which means that ultimately we
organisation has an employability officer whose
that we work with challenge those barriers,
reduce the dependency on benefits.’’ The new
role is to engage with people to encourage
that if there are things that they think we can
government’s right to buy initiative for housing
them to examine the employment, training and
improve and do things better to deliver better
association tenants is hardly likely to affect
volunteering options available.
services then we can do that. So, it’s not just
County Durham Housing Group. Fullen points
“She works with people on their CVs and how
about the barriers organisations put in the way
out that existing tenants already have that right
to present themselves in an interview and she
of improvements but it’s also about the barriers
under the transfer terms and, given that some
goes out to work with them one-to-one to build
tenants can inadvertently put in their own way.
60% of new tenants are currently on housing
their confidence,’’ he says.
If they say, ‘I can’t possibly get this job,’ then the
benefit, only a small proportion would be able
“If you’ve been out of the working environment
work of the employability service and the digital
to exercise the right to buy. But, he sees some
for some time, it can be a question of building
inclusion service is about challenging those
hard choices ahead in the organisation’s building
confidence. She also works closely with the
barriers that people put in their own way.’
programme. In some locations building new
digital inclusion service because a big aspect
He adds: “I explain to employees that it’s not
stock will be a better solution than investing
of getting people back into work is being
often in your working life that you get the
in stock for which there is little demand. The
digitally savvy. We’ve seen some quick wins on
opportunity to create something that is going
business plan includes a programme to improve
employment and recently we’ve got two people
to have a major impact in your area, so for
energy efficiency, with new boilers and increased
back into work.’’
employees it’s an exciting time and, while the
insulation.
Each of the three subsidiaries also has a
three organisations delivered good services, we
“A lot of that is to make sure people can have
community engagement team to work with
can go beyond that and deliver much better
affordable warmth, which also has a benefit in
its local community and on making links with
services. Having the opportunity to mould
reducing condensation and dampness,’’ says
various partners. Unsurprisingly, County
an organisation is not something that comes
Fullen. “We are looking at whether we can
Durham Housing Group works closely with
around many times in a person’s career.’’ n
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
19
20
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
Derwentside building communities (l-r) Prince Bishops Homes Chief Executive Keith Tallintire, Swale Valley Construction Development Director Charles Smith and Durham County Councillors Barbara and Joseph Armstrong, pictured outside the derelict building in Langley Park just before demolition
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
21
Derwentside Homes is enaged in regeneration across the region, as we report Derwentside Homes has been active in the regeneration of a number of communities in the North East. In a recent example, a derelict building in one County Durham village has been demolished to make way for a new development of much needed family homes. The former All Saints Youth Centre in Langley Park was knocked down to make way for 18 new homes. The properties will be a mix of three and four bedroom homes, to be available for market rent through Derwentside Homes subsidiary Prince Bishops Homes. Derwentside Homes owns and manages some 7,000 homes and employs more than 230 staff. It was launched on 4 December 2006 following a transfer of homes from Derwentside District Council after tenants backed the move in a secret postal ballot. Durham County councillors Joseph and Barbara Armstrong, who represent the Esh and Witton Gilbert division in which the village is situated, have supported the development since Prince
“Like many areas of the country there is a real lack of housing around here, especially for younger people, so I’m really pleased the site will be used for new homes”
Bishops Homes brought the proposals to their attention. Cllr Joseph Armstrong, who is also a nonexecutive director of Derwentside Homes, said: “This is fantastic news for the residents of
initially be available to rent, tenants will also
would like to get a foot on the property ladder
Langley Park. For years I have been receiving
have the option to buy their home through
we can help them achieve that too.
complaints about the state of the building.
Prince Bishops Homes’ Rent to Buy scheme.
“We are very excited to be transforming this
When you come into the village it is one of the
Through the scheme, after four years anyone
area of Langley Park, which has been in a
first things you see and really gave the wrong
on a long-term tenancy will be able to use the
derelict state for many years, and we hope local
impression of the village.
difference in the property’s value over that time
people will be pleased with the results too.”
“Like many areas of the country there is a real
towards a deposit for their home.
Formed in 2008 Prince Bishops Homes now
lack of housing around here, especially for
Prince Bishops Homes chief executive Keith
owns more than 300 properties and has recently
younger people, so I’m really pleased that the
Tallintire said: “We believe these new homes
started offering homes for outright sale as well
site is going to be used to provide much needed
will offer tenants the best of both worlds – they
as market rent, with new developments in New
quality homes.”
can rent a brand new home for as long as they
Brancepeth, Stanley, Crook and Coxhoe.
Although the properties built on the site will
want, or, if after four years they decide they
The Langley Park development is being built
22
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
(l-r) Durham County Councillor Barbara Armstrong, Prince Bishops Homes Chief Executive Keith Tallintire and Durham County Councillor Joseph Armstrong, pictured outside the derelict building in Langley Park just before demolition by Swale Valley Construction. Development director Charles Smith said: “It has been a long drawn out process over a number of years to gain control of the site and we are glad to be
The refurbishment presented several challenges with some medical staff and their families remaining in the building while construction took place”
finally providing the much needed regeneration to this gateway corner of the village. It is always a pleasure to work in partnership with Prince Bishops Homes and provide future occupiers a
Bishops Homes. ZONE10 has been our first move
QE hospital site.”
property they can be proud to call home.”
outside the Derwentside area and it is great to see
The ZONE10 apartments, which are in the
Meanwhile, in Gateshead, a £1.8m refurbishment
the transformation which has taken place over
accommodation wing of the hospital, were
project has seen former shared hospital
the last couple of years.
traditionally used to provide onsite housing for
accommodation in Gateshead transformed into
“ZONE10 is our flagship scheme and we
medical staff and were owned by accommodation
36 modern apartments available for market rent.
have worked very closely with the hospital
company Unite Students.
The buildings, which are based in the grounds of
management team to provide an excellent
The refurbishment work was carried out by Esh
the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, were bought by
resource which will provide a really convenient
Property Services, part of Esh Group, which
Prince Bishops Homes in 2013.
living arrangement for hospital staff as well as
has delivered the scheme using local resources,
The refurbishment presented several challenges,
other local people.”
safeguarding a number of apprentice positions in
with some medical staff and their families
Queen Elizabeth Hospital chief executive Ian
the process.
remaining in the building while construction work
Renwick, who officially opened the scheme, said:
In addition workshops have been delivered at
took place. Now complete, the scheme, which
“It’s fantastic to have these apartments on site.
Cardinal Hume School and Thorpe Academy and
has been named ZONE10, has seen 18 of the
The modernisation work undertaken by Prince
work experience opportunities have been created
apartments already let.
Bishops Homes means they blend in perfectly
in partnership with Gateshead College.
Tallintire said: “This is an exciting time for Prince
with our own recent major developments on the
Graham Morgan, divisional director of Esh
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
Property Services, said: “We are delighted to be involved in providing much needed homes through Prince Bishops Homes. We welcome the new residents and hope they all enjoy their new homes for many years to come.” Prince Bishops Homes worked with a local social enterprise, Enterprise Durham Partnership, to offer a £2,200 furniture package to tenants, consisting of two sofas, two double beds and mattresses, bedside cabinets, an entertainment unit, a coffee table, a dining table and four chairs, a fridge freezer and a washing machine. The company has also worked closely with local credit union, Prince Bishops Community Bank, to offer credit options to allow tenants to take out the furniture package. The new ZONE10 apartments have been targeted at busy medical staff and other professionals, with a service charge covering gas, electricity, water and council tax included in the monthly rent. Towards the Pennines in Weardale Prince Bishops Homes is about to unveil a new housing development designed to give people a foot on the property ladder through a `rent now, buy later scheme’. The £2.9m Spinners Croft development in Crook is just the second market rent scheme in the North of England to be completed under the Government’s Build to Rent Fund. The properties - 34 two and three-bedroom homes - will be let at market rent levels and after five years tenants will be given the chance to buy, sharing in any increase in equity which has occurred in that period and using this money as a deposit for a mortgage. The tenant does not have to purchase but can continue to rent and there are no up-front commitment fees. Derwentside Homes is the only housing provider in the North East to have received funding from the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) £1bn Build to Rent Fund. Last year the association was awarded 50% funding totalling £4.8m to build 114 homes for market rent under the initiative, which aims to increase the number of homes built for market rent. The first development to be completed under the scheme was unveiled by Housing Minister Brandon Lewis MP, in Willington near Crook in November last year. n
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24
PROFILE South Tyneside Council
Council lays foundations for borough’s regeneration Change is happening on South Tyneside. With a clear vision for the future, South Tyneside Council is putting economic regeneration at the heart of its activity with the aim of inspiring confidence to show the Borough is ‘open for business’ Since embarking on a programme of
Littlehaven Promenade at night
regeneration seven years ago, huge achievements have been made to attract inward investment. As part of a bold vision to make South Shields the North East’s premier coastal resort all year round, the Council has invested in the Foreshore to enhance the customer experience for visitors. By doing so, an environment for private sector growth has also been created which will help to sustain the Borough’s long-term economy. A £2million investment in the public realm through Sea Change funding has seen a dramatic change in the appearance and perceptions of the Foreshore which, in turn, has generated private sector confidence. Local business, Dunes Adventure Island, has, for example, invested £2m into its operation.
carrying out improvements to its site.
into the town via the Shields Ferry.
The Council has also worked to enhance the
Leader of South Tyneside Council, Councillor
The Riverside, the town centre and the Foreshore
existing offer on the Foreshore. The new £16m
Iain Malcolm said: “One of the key objectives of
areas each fulfil a different but complementary
Haven Point swimming and leisure complex with
the Council is to harness regeneration success
economic role to South Shields.
a diverse range of all-weather leisure activities,
to increase footfall in other parts of the town.
Councillor Malcolm said: “Collectively these
is another asset which, when combined with
Linking the activities at the Foreshore with Ocean
three areas provide a broad and exciting
the coastline and award-winning South Marine
Road and the town centre will be essential
offer of commercial, leisure, cultural and
Park provide an unrivalled seaside offer for
in encouraging visitors to stay longer which
retail opportunities for residents, visitors and
tourists in the North East. With around 1,800
will result in greater expenditure in the local
businesses and the vision is to connect the three
jobs reliant on tourism, the investment has
economy.”
key areas. This mix gives South Shields a unique
been a strategic element of the Council’s wider
Another example of this is at the Riverside which
offer unrivalled amongst other coastal towns of a
regeneration plans.
is home to a theatre and art gallery within a
similar size in the North East.
The Foreshore is to be further enhanced
historic conservation area. This offer has been
“However, the town must continue to grow
following the award of £1.5m from the Coastal
enhanced by the new BT office building at
its offer, attract investment and build upon its
Communities Fund. Matched by more than
Harton Quays, providing footfall and activity, and
environmental and townscape assets.
£500,000 of Council funding, this scheme will
a proposed office/hotel opportunity site with
“Crucial to the future success is the need to knit
improve the section of promenade between
associated food and drink outlets. Harton Quays
these areas together and to ensure a seamless
Sandhaven beach and the South Pier. Included
Park provides an attractive waterfront public
transition from one to another while retaining
in the scheme is significant private sector
space, clearly visible from the north banks of the
their individual character and function. The
investment with Ocean Beach Pleasure Park also
Tyne, and providing an exemplar point of arrival
Riverside, town centre and Foreshore must be
PROFILE South Tyneside Council
25
viewed together if their long term sustainability is
At Jarrow, new Housing Ventures homes are
programmes are really gaining momentum and a
to be guaranteed.”
complete at Saxon way and Stanley Street.
number of key projects are coming to fruition.”
Elsewhere in the town, works are progressing
Construction is also under way on a £5.1m
One of those key initiatives is the City Deal with
well on the £100m South Shields 365 town
contract on North Street in Jarrow where a 47
neighbouring authority Sunderland City Council.
centre regeneration programme. Construction
home complex for the over 55s will provide
Central to the deal is an International Advanced
of The Word, the North East Centre for the
much-needed accommodation for an ageing
Manufacturing Park (IAMP) on the A19 corridor
Written Word, is now well under way, works
population. The provision of new, quality homes
which is the lifeblood of manufacturing and
to the Market Place are going at a pace and
is an integral element of building sustainable
industry in the North East, the only English region
the improvements to the famous Ocean Road
communities. Last year the Council built 471
with a consistent positive trade balance in goods
are now complete. The bold vision to create
new homes – more than double the number of
every year since 2010. By working hand in hand
a sustainable future in South Tyneside is also
the previous two years and even more than the
with neighbours and partners, South Tyneside
coming to life in other parts of the Borough.
average for the previous ten years. Last year saw
Council has been able to bring the investment
At Hebburn the new £13m state-of-the-art
the highest number of net completions in 25
and infrastructure that will not only address
community facility Hebburn Central has heralded
years – an important element in the Council’s
the current jobs gap, but provide a vehicle for
a new chapter for the town. Award-winning
strategy to deliver the infrastructure to meet its
long term, sustained growth in the future.
retailer Aldi is bringing forward a proposal for a
ambitious regeneration plans.
The 100-hectare IAMP is expected to attract
new store which would deliver a multi-million
Councillor Malcolm said: “Despite the challenges
£295million of private sector investment and
pound investment in the area, bringing with
of the last few years, the Council has maintained
will bring an initial 5,000 jobs and up to 16,000
it jobs in construction, retail and the supply chain.
its focus on economic growth and regeneration
highly skilled manufacturing opportunities when
Councillor Malcolm added: “Hebburn is a prime
for the long term – inspiring confidence and a
fully developed.
example of how public investment acts as a
belief that we can deliver our ambitious plans.
The Government has also approved several
catalyst to stimulate private sector development.
“We have maintained an appetite for innovation
improvements to upgrade the A19 corridor,
“It also shows how local authorities can become
and recognised that to attract government,
strengthening important transport links to
the real drivers of economic change by taking a
private sector and key partner investment, risk-
Sunderland and South Tyneside.
visionary approach and making transformational
sharing is necessary to demonstrate the courage
Councillor Malcolm added: “It is vital that we
change happen in their communities.”
of our convictions.
have the right infrastructure in place to be able to
Momentum is also continuing on other
“It is clear that this approach is working. We are
support sustainable growth. Our work with the
regeneration schemes across the Borough.
seeing genuine jobs growth at a time when our
City Deal and major regeneration projects in our towns work hand in hand to boost the Borough’s
“Local authorities can become the real drivers of economic change by taking a visionary approach and making transformational change happen in their communities”
economy, create a great visitor experience and provide local people with jobs. “As a local authority, we have taken on the leadership challenge, staying true to our vision around economic growth despite the downturn. Our commitment and drive is now starting to pay dividends. The joint City Deal is signed, South Shields 365 is on schedule, Jobseekers Allowance is at its lowest level for five years, North East exports continue to expand and we are bringing forward major infrastructure investments that will help create a sustainable economy for the future.”
Martin Swales, Chief Executive of South Tyneside Council, Cllr Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council and David Wells, Development Director at Muse Developments, at the start on site of The Word
For more information visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk
26
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
City builds new homes for thousands On The Rise – (from left) Catherine Davies and Lesley Fairclough from Ward Hadaway at The Rise, a £265m redevelopment scheme in Newcastle.
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
27
Transformation of Newcastle’s West End is on track, thanks to a major regeneration scheme Around 6,000 people living in Newcastle’s
the region – will provide heating and hot water
Going for Growth – The New Neighbourhood,
West End are in line for new homes thanks to a
to the homes – reducing carbon emissions by
facilitated by Newcastle City Council – prior to
£265m regeneration scheme to transform the
up to 35%.
work starting on site.
area. The Rise at Scotswood is the product of a
The development has been planned for five
Audrey Bushell, a Scotswood resident for
public/private joint venture – the New Tyne West
phases of residential and mixed use building
more than 40 years, said: “It’s a dream come
Development Company, NTWDC – comprising
over 15 years. The first focuses on creating a
true. They have done a great job and I’m very
Newcastle City Council and developers Barratt
new community of 378 mixed tenure homes –
happy for the people who can move in to the
Homes and Keepmoat.
of which 58 are for affordable rent - within a
new homes. It’s a new era for Scotswood and
The project’s aim is to reverse the long term
high quality setting.
Newcastle.”
decline of an area which has suffered heavily
NTWDC development director Lee McGray
Scotswood resident for 70 years, Alma Wheeler,
from the reduction in heavy industry by creating
said: “The recent regional and national awards
said: “We wanted to acknowledge the rich
a diverse, sustainable community living in about
recognise the care that went into planning
Roman history of our region and discovered that
1,800 well designed, modern, energy efficient
the project and the exceptional standard of
many of their settlements had attractive names.
homes – linked to a district heating centre.
community involvement from the outset. This is
They were ambitious builders too, so it seemed
About 1,200 terraced homes in a pre-war
already reaping its rewards.
appropriate to use these historic names on a
housing estate were cleared from the sloping,
“As The Rise grows and develops into a vibrant
new and exciting development right beside the
uneven 60 hectare site, which overlooks the
neighbourhood, we continue to work with the
Hadrian Way.”
River Tyne and outline planning permission was
local community to deliver a new, bright and
The influx of workers has boosted local business
achieved in 2007.
exciting future for Scotswood.”
and new jobs have been created, including 14
The partnership agreement was signed in 2011
The community has been involved throughout –
apprenticeships. Workshops were staged to
and construction began in August 2013.
sitting on a joint working group and attending
alert small, local businesses to the opportunities
Some of the development is intended to
workshops to comment on and influence design
available through the project. These were
reflect neighbouring streets while other parts
and local schoolchildren helped to select the
followed up with advice and training sessions
incorporate small mews-style courts, and all are
first street names. There had been ten years of
to assist those not familiar with such
close to a range of open spaces linked to the
local community consultation under the banner
procurement processes.
enhanced Hodgkin Park and leisure facilities to the west. Homes on The Rise will be a mix of property styles and sizes, designed to a masterplan from architects Ian Darby Partnership. All properties will be built to Level 4 of the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes – higher than the required standard – and are also compliant with the Lifetime Homes and Secured by Design standards. A district energy centre, developed in partnership with E.ON – the first of its kind in
“Rewards are already being reaped. As The Rise grows and develops into a vibrant neighbourhood, we continue to work with the local communities to deliver a new, bright and exciting future for Scotswood”
28
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
About a quarter of the development will comprise affordable homes – owned and managed by a registered housing association. There have been more than 130 reservations for homes on the 378-property first phase of the development – a mix of apartments, two, three and four-bedroom homes – and 65 have been completed with some reservations being received before six show homes opened to the public. Lesley Fairclough, partner and head of development at law firm Ward Hadaway, which is providing legal advice on the sale of completed dwellings at The Rise said: “It is fantastic to be involved in such a large-scale development which will really change the face of the west end of Newcastle. “The Rise is the largest housing-led regeneration initiative in the North East and it is already proving to be a real draw for home owners keen to move into modern, energy-efficient properties in a redeveloped area of the city.’’
“We were renting a flat and wanted to get onto the ladder but stay where we work. The houses are fantastic and just so affordable that we took the plunge”
Barratt and Keepmoat opened the show village of six show homes in April, boosted by the news that the local Bridgewater Primary School achieved the ‘Outstanding’ rating in all four Ofsted inspection areas – placing it in the top 20% of UK schools. Having promised to invest in education, NTWDC funded classroom assistants at the school, which is being expanded and modernised by Newcastle City Council - providing more places for families moving to The Rise. To date 92 homes have been sold in the open market and a further 58 have been acquired by Tees Valley Housing – making a total of 150 already acquired. Of the open market sales 66% were to buyers who moved less than five miles and 80% less than 10. Almost two thirds (64%) were 30 or under and 75% first time buyers. In addition 82% of all those who had bought, took advantage of the government’s Help to
the plunge. We’ve never regretted it one bit.
Institution of Chartered Surveyors award and
Buy scheme. The four main reasons these buyers
Even though it’s still a building site it doesn’t feel
won the national Royal Town Planning Institute
gave for choosing a home at The Rise were
that way and there is a community spirit already
Awards. It is also one of only a handful of UK
price, style (both 25%), proximity to work (14%)
developing.”
developments to achieve ‘Outstanding’ in the
and location (13%). New resident, Emma Ndoni,
Councillor Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City
Design Review and Enabling Services’ Built for
who moved to The Rise with her husband and
Council, said: “Scotswood plays an integral part
Life assessment. Lee McGray, development
daughter, said: “We were renting a flat and
in our Local Plan, which includes a commitment
director with New Tyne West Development
wanted to get onto the property ladder but
to create 14,000 new jobs and build 21,000
Company (NTWDC) said: “The recent regional
stay in the area where we work. The houses are
new homes for a growing population.”
and national awards recognise the care
fantastic and just so affordable that we took
The Rise has already won a regional Royal
that went into planning the project and the
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
29
“As The Rise grows and develops into a vibrant neighbourhood, we continue to work with the local community to deliver a new, bright and exciting future for Scotswood”
exceptional standard of community involvement
the regeneration could provide:
of the West End of Newcastle. Newcastle City
from the outset. This is already reaping its
increased opportunities for community and
Council has ring fenced funding to support
rewards. As The Rise grows and develops into
individual involvement in culture, sport,
the development of the new housing scheme.
a vibrant neighbourhood, we continue to work
education, leisure and local service delivery as
This includes areas such as the investment
with the local community to deliver a new,
part of the wider city council initiatives;
to redevelop and improve the local primary
bright and exciting future for Scotswood.”
investment in the new neighbourhood and in
school, the redevelopment of Hodgkin Park and
As a public-private partnership, NTWDC allows
green spaces and leisure areas to support the
highways improvements to areas of the existing
for the sharing of risk, the ability to secure
city council’s investment in improvements at
community. Lesley Fairclough said: “The Rise is
funding from a range of sources and provides a
Hodgkin Park and Hadrian’s Way;
a terrific example of how developers can work
range of skills, crucial in the delivery of a scheme
the establishment of a new housing market for
with local authorities to produce schemes which
of such size and complexity.
high quality new build properties in Scotswood;
are truly transformational.
Through the company’s core business of home
a contribution to the delivery of a new
“We look forward to working with New Tyne
building, investment will be generated and
physical infrastructure across the Scotswood
West Development Company over the coming
channelled into community and economic
neighbourhood to support and enhance the
years and to seeing how The Rise takes shape in
regeneration of the area.
demand for new housing; and a catalyst for
providing hundreds of new homes for families
NTWDC points to a number of potential benefits
regeneration to the wider surrounding areas
on Tyneside.” n
30
PROFILE Newcastle City Council
Shaping Newcastle’s future Newcastle is an ambitious city with big plans for the future Re-newcastle is Newcastle City Council’s programme
rewarding jobs and groundbreaking scientific
demonstration space, and will provide an early
of renewal and reinvention delivering the biggest
advances. Combining cutting-edge architecture
presence for the university on Science Central in
transformation of the city’s infrastructure in a
with new public spaces, world-renowned scientific
early 2016.
generation.
expertise and leading-edge companies, Science
As part of the second phase of development,
We are improving national and international
Central will be an innovation hub where investors,
Newcastle University is investing in a state-of-
transport links. We are making our city centre easier
businesses, entrepreneurs, students, scientists and
the-art Urban Sciences building. This will create a
to get around on foot and by bike. We are putting
citizens collaborate to plan and develop solutions for
new home for the School of Computing Science, as
in place the superfast broadband connections that
tomorrow’s cities.
well as an urban observatory and decision theatre,
today’s businesses need to connect to their markets. We are building new homes across the city, creating
allowing real time data from the city to be analysed The Core
and explored. Bringing together a range of research
new communities for our growing population. And
disciplines under the banner of digitally-enabled
we are creating new business districts, which will
urban sustainability, the aim is to create a living
attract international investors and create thousands
laboratory, where everything from the infrastructure
of new jobs.
and environment to even the building itself, are used
Re-newcastle is about reshaping our city so that we
to develop and design sustainable solutions for the
can fulfil our potential.
future. Work on the Urban Sciences Building is due
Some of our investment plans are well and truly
for completion in autumn 2017.
underway including the iconic housing development
The partners are now planning the next phase of
The Rise in Scotswood; redevelopment of the main
development, with Regional Growth Fund (RGF)
gateway into the city at Central Station; and the
having already funded the infrastructure that will
revitalisation of the neighbouring Stephenson
enable de-risked developments for further new
Quarter, with its flagship 4* Crowne Plaza Hotel
buildings. Science Central has been part-funded
having recently opened its doors for business. The
through the European Union Regional Development
next phase of this development is also proceeding,
Fund 2007-2013 (ERDF) and by the RGF.
in an area which was home to Robert Stephenson’s
Options are currently being explored around the
locomotive works. This includes the creation of
THE CORE
disposal of prime commercial plots, as well as
38,000 sq ft of high specification Grade A offices
The first phase of development at Science Central –
development opportunities for the residential
called The Rocket, embracing the area’s rich
the site enabling works and the construction of the
elements of the site, plus some of the smaller
engineering heritage.
first building - is complete. The landmark building,
commercial space. The council is in the process of
The £200m Stephenson Quarter is a prime example
The Core, opened in November 2014, and on opening
securing funding for the delivery of a new Laboratory
of benefits of the public and private sectors working
was over 90% let. Providing contemporary office
and Life Science Incubation Hub, including that
together, and is being delivered by the Clouston
space for companies working on a range of future
secured from the Local Growth Fund (LGF) through
Group in partnership with Newcastle City Council.
city challenges, The Core also houses globally
the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, together
significant academic and industry research
with funding from the council. We are also procuring
SCIENCE CENTRAL
partnerships. It is also home to the Cloud Innovation
a city-wide energy partner for a Low Carbon Energy
The £250m development Science Central is
Centre, which aims to help businesses and the
Centre on Science Central and across the civic
Newcastle’s new landmark location for science,
public sector take advantage of cloud computing to
quarter. The university is also planning a Conference
business, living and leisure – delivered by a dedicated
improve competitiveness, make new products and
and Learning Centre which
partnership between Newcastle City Council and
upskill the region.
will provide a 750 seat auditorium, providing
Newcastle University.
Newcastle University is currently building The Key
flexible conference space, lecture theatres,
As one of the biggest mixed-use urban regeneration
on the site - a lightweight fabric structure that uses
exhibition space and a café, with a link bridge to
projects of its kind in the UK, spanning some 24 acres
similar technology to that developed for the 2012
the Urban Sciences Building.
of prime city-centre development land in Newcastle,
Olympic Stadium. This is the first structure of its kind
As a strategic Accelerated Development Zone and
it is designed to support a thriving new community,
to be used as a working space with complementary
part of Newcastle’s City Deal, the Stephenson Quarter
PROFILE Newcastle City Council
31
Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Stephenson Quarter.
and Science Central form part of four complementary
and help make Newcastle a more attractive place in
We are one of the first urban areas outside London
city centre sites, alongside Central Gateway and East
which to invest. Many of the improvements have been
to develop a joint plan with our neighbours,
Pilgrim Street. We are well placed to use our City Deal
in the planning for years, and have now been made
giving developers and investors the certainty and
to accelerate growth to bring forward these major
possible by the council securing extensive funding.
confidence to invest, while striking the right balance
investment projects, which collectively are set to
The programme of work is focused on delivering
by securing the local environment for our residents.
generate £1bn of economic impact and create 13,000
improvements:
jobs over the next 25 years.
• that benefit residents, businesses and visitors traveling within the city centre
INVESTING IN NEWCASTLE’S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE Re-newcastle is about more than housing and development sites. Alongside these other major
• to routes across Newcastle, reducing congestion and improving cycling facilties • through major investment around the city on the A1 and A19.
investments, we have secured £60m to upgrade our
Our programme of work will not come without some
highways infrastructure, to help us create a modern
short term pain, but we must focus on long term
transport system that a vibrant 21st century city
gain. There will be disruption as these improvements
deserves. Newcastle is about to see the biggest
take place, however the outcome will have lasting
investment in its highways for over 30 years.
benefits. We will continue to invest in the city’s
Over the next five years, we aim to completely
infrastructure making the city a great place to live,
transform the highways and public spaces within the
work and do business.
Investments being made by the council and its partners are now being delivered, and the city’s skyline is changing. This reinforces our commitment to grow, and demonstrates our ambition and confidence to create new and better jobs and boost economic growth, sending out a strong message Newcastle is open for business.
city centre, as well as routes across and around the city. Our plan is to make Newcastle one of the easiest
NEWCASTLE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
cities to get around, with new road layouts and traffic
All of this investment is underpinned by the
light technology, making it easier and safer to travel,
adoption of our local plan: Planning for the Future
however you choose to move around the city.
Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan for Gateshead and
Businesses will benefit as better transport links
Newcastle. This plan provides a framework to shape
create new commercial and retail opportunities,
and manage future development in a planned way,
For more information visit
more efficient movement of goods and materials,
bringing forward much-needed investment.
www.newcastle.gov.uk/renewcastle
32
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
North Tyneside’s regeneration is forging ahead, led by major investment in the former Swan’s shipyard, as Peter Jackson reports
33
North Tyneside’s revival as a centre for manufacturing and advanced engineering has taken another step with the confirmation of a further £8m for the development of the Swans site. The investment has been secured through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), as part of a ‘Growth Deal’ for the North East that was awarded by Central Government last year. The North East LEP has confirmed that North Tyneside Council will shortly receive the funding to enable it to progress a key piece of work at the site on the River Tyne. The £8m for Swans, which is part of a wider £330m Growth Deal package for the North East, will enable North Tyneside Council and its partners to increase the potential of the site. The authority is working with its development partner Kier to transform the 13 hectares of Enterprise Zone land at Swans into a hub for the offshore, renewable energy and advanced engineering sectors. The regeneration of the site is expected to bring around 1,000 new jobs to the North East, once the site is complete and occupied to capacity. The extra £8m will be used to infill a redundant wet berth at the former shipyard, opening up more space for investors. Bob Paton, chief executive of the North East LEP, says: “Growth Deals were launched to fire up regional economies by creating jobs and supporting key infrastructure projects. “The Swans site is a prime example of how this type of investment can be used to successfully
Swans set to fly again
create employment and ensure key local developments continue to progress. This latest round of funding is designed to support the North East’s leading capabilities in offshore, renewable energy and advanced engineering, areas in which we already have a global reputation.” Businesses locating to Swans - which is included in the national list of Centres for Offshore Renewable Engineering (COREs) - can benefit from a simplified planning scheme, plus five years business rate discount if they locate before March 2018. Activity at the site has picked up in recent
34
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
Business hub shapes up Work is almost complete on a £1.9m specialist
size. The refurbishment work is expected to be
“This latest development will further enhance
business hub at Swans.
complete by autumn 2015.
what’s on offer at Swans for small and medium-
The Centre for Innovation at Swans
The varying unit dimensions is intended to allow
sized businesses, particularly those involved in
will transform part of an existing office
businesses to remain within the hub as they
the renewable energy and marine sectors, and
block to create new and flexible business
grow, with the aim of developing and retaining
really add value to what North Tyneside can offer
accommodation, including incubation and
a strong cluster of sector knowledge and
companies wishing to locate to the site. Kier
development space. The hub – set in the River
expertise, based at Swans.
Property is carrying out the refurbishment work
Tyne North Bank Enterprise Zone (EZ) – is
Other facilities on site will include a reception
on behalf of North Tyneside Council and, in
aimed at small and medium-sized companies
area, meeting rooms and kitchen facilities.
keeping with site designation as a Low Carbon
connected to the advanced engineering, subsea,
Some other parts of the building - which are
Enterprise Zone, the work will be completed to
marine, oil, gas or offshore renewable energy
already occupied by Swan Hunter North East for
improve energy efficiency and environmental
sectors. It is hoped it will attract interest from
marine design, Graspan Frankton for training
sustainability. North Tyneside Council will
businesses looking to link with larger firms and
in the marine sector and Shoney Wind - will
continue to own and manage the building.
employers across the wider site.
continue to be used by them.
The Swans Centre for Innovation project is part
The work will convert two floors of a five storey
Elected Mayor Redfearn says: “North Tyneside
financed by the European Regional Development
block owned by North Tyneside Council, to
Council is working hard with its partners to
Fund (ERDF), managed by the Department for
deliver a total of 16 units for rent, ranging from
ensure the future success of the prestigious
Communities and Local Government, securing
105 square metres to 283 square metres in
Swans site as a prime business cluster location.
just over £1m of ERDF investment.
INTERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
“North Tyneside is rapidly establishing itself as one of the best places to relocate to, especially if you’re a marine, energy or offshore related business looking to compete in the global market”
35
History maker Swan Hunter has a long and illustrious history which began with the Wigham Richardson shipyard set up in Wallsend in 1860. It was later amalgamated to form Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson,
months and some of the latest developments
more space for investment.”
probably best known for building
include a working quay with fixed crane - due
Patrick Melia, chief executive of North Tyneside
the famous liner RMS Mauretania.
to be operational by late summer 2015, plus
Council, says: “North Tyneside is rapidly
Swan Hunter built more than 1,600 ships
improved access routes for heavy vehicles.
establishing itself as one of the best places to
of various types including more than 400
In addition to quayside hard-standing, cranes and
locate to, especially if you’re a marine, energy or
naval vessels.
secure storage facilities, an extensive dredging
offshore-related business looking to compete in
In 1966 Swan Hunter & Wigham
programme will allow heavy-lift barges to dock
the global market.
Richardson merged with Smith’s Dock Co,
at the facility. Once complete, this mix of an
“The Swans site is open for business and
which had a shipbuilding yard on the Tees
advanced manufacturing park with Enterprise
we’re making rapid progress with its £100m
and extensive ship repairing interests on
Zone status and quay facilities will make Swans
development. The site is exceptionally
the Tyne. The name of the new company
one of largest specialist quayside sites in the UK.
well–placed and is supported by the ideal
became Associated Shipbuilders and later
The regeneration of the Swans site is one of
infrastructure for manufacturing, access to a
Swan Hunter Group.
North Tyneside Council’s highest priorities in
skilled workforce, an experienced local supply
In 1973 Swan Hunter Shipbuilders acquired
relation to export-led growth and job creation.
chain and committed local leadership.
Palmers Dock at Hebburn from Vickers.
More than £100m is being spent on redeveloping
“The success of Swans is one of North Tyneside
The numbers employed in the Tyne
the former shipyard, using a mix of funding
Council’s top priorities and we’re working hard to
shipyards of Swan Hunter Shipbuilders was
from the European Regional Development Fund,
support firms looking to locate to the site.”
about 11,500 and a wide variety of ship
Homes and Communities Agency, North East
The development of the Swans site represents a
types were built by them, including cargo
Local Enterprise Partnership, private sector and
major part of the wider regeneration plans for
vessels, bulk carriers, crude oil tankers and
council investment. The development includes
the Wallsend area.
container ships of all sizes.
the creation of a £1.9m business incubation hub
Work set to start soon in Wallsend town centre
The shipyard closed in 2007 and the
for SMEs - the Swans Centre for Innovation -
includes a second phase of development for the
Wallsend shipyard was acquired in 2009 by
which is set to be ready by autumn 2015.
Forum Shopping Centre area, including an Aldi
North Tyneside Council, with the assistance
Elected Mayor for North Tyneside, Norma
supermarket and drive-through Burger King. The
of the then regional development agency
Redfearn says: “This latest announcement is
plans are being brought forward by New River,
One North East. This was in line with
great news and will enable us to complete
which owns and manages the shopping centre.
the River Tyne North Bank regeneration
another key milestone in our successful
Elected Mayor Redfearn adds: “Wallsend town
strategy and was to ensure it was retained
development of the Swans site.
centre is being transformed into a modern and
in employment use and specifically
“We have been able to secure this funding
vibrant place to shop and relax, and we have
for marine related manufacturing and
thanks to partnership working in the North East,
some fantastic new facilities in the pipeline. More
engineering uses.
which has brought councils together to work
than £100m is being invested to develop the
with the North East LEP. This funding - and the
Swans site into a brand new hub for industry,
Growth Deal as a whole - will not only benefit
and this will play a major part in Wallsend’s bright
our borough by maximising the potential of the
economic future, bringing major employers and
Swans and other employment sites, but will help
up to 1,000 local jobs. These are really exciting
boost the wider North East economy by enabling
times for Wallsend.”
us to put this area on the map for the offshore
The Swans project is part financed by the
and renewable energy sector.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF),
“The Swans site is very much open for business.
managed by the Department for Communities
We’ve got the infrastructure in place, a
and Local Government, securing £7.855m of
development partner actively working with us to
ERDF investment. North Tyneside Council selected
provide premises and employers for the site and
Kier Property as its development partner for
now this extra funding that will open up even
Swans in March 2013. n
“Swan Hunter built more than 1,600 ships of various types including more than 400 naval vessels. It is probably best known for building RMs MaureFania”
PROFILE
36
North East Local Enterprise Partnership
We must gain skills and play to our strengths North East Local Enterprise Partnership, NELEP, is charged with driving delivery of an economic growth plan. Chief executive Bob Paton talks to Peter Jackson about some of the key drivers It is no surprise that when the subject of regeneration comes up Bob Paton wants to talk about skills and training. It’s not that he’s changing the subject – for him the skills question has always been central to the regeneration question and he has never made any secret of that belief. He says: “I am a bit like a broken record but I am absolutely convinced that skills, education and training are the top priority for the region. We’ve got to match our skills, our education and our training approach to the economy that we have. When you look at the economy we have in the North East, it’s quite unique, we haven’t got the same sort of economy as London and the South East or Greater Manchester.’’ He lists a number of key sectors in that economy, touching on – among others – automotive, with Nissan and its supply chain; engineering, including highly successful companies such as Reece Group in Newcastle’s West End; crane manufacturer Liebherr in Sunderland; subsea; energy; life sciences; and technology, which alone employs more than 30,000. “We’ve got to make sure that the people who are coming through the schools, colleges and universities have the skills to go into those sectors,’’ he says. “We’ve also got to make sure that the people who are in jobs at the moment are upskilled and that, where necessary, people are reskilled.’’ This, he insists, is what will drive the growth of the North East’s various economic sectors and this, in turn, will drive regeneration. “You cannot grow the economy unless you’ve got
PROFILE
North East Local Enterprise Partnership
37
the people with the skills,’’ he says.
technology which is specific to an individual
Europe. We also have NETPark and there are
This is a challenge, but, Paton argues, the region
UTC. Between the ages of 16 and 18 those
some fantastic things happening there, staggering
is working hard to meet it.
percentages are reversed.
things in terms of innovation.
“We’ve got some fantastic training going on,
UTC South Durham, which is sponsored by
“If we innovate and come up with new ideas
we’ve got some great schools and colleges. I
Hitachi and Gestamp Tallent, will focus on
it will drive existing companies and sectors and
think that our further education colleges are the
specialised manufacturing and engineering. North
we might get new businesses and new sectors
heartbeat of what we are trying to do in the
East Futures, which is sponsored by Accenture
coming out as a result.’’
region. We’ve got some brilliant universities in the
and the Academic Health Sciences Network, will
How does an organisation such as the LEP get
region, so we have some great stuff going on.’’
focus on IT and Health Care Sciences.
people to innovate?
Working hand-in-hand with these are several
The aim for both UTCs is that they should
“Hans’s role is to set the direction and work
employers which are active in training. This
eventually have up to 600 students each.
with the universities and we have some brilliant
includes independent training providers such as
“We’ve got an opportunity there to really make
universities and so many good things come out
AIS in the energy sector.
a mark in the North East,’’ says Paton. “That’s a
of them. It’s about making sure we identify areas
“We’ve got lots of things happening, but, with
great example where vocational training, which is
where we can work together on innovation.’’
all these things, you’ve got to do more. We’ve
linked to the economy, is progressing. My view is
On the theme of working together, are there
got a responsibility to really push on training and
that we need more vocational training, we need
encouraging signals coming from the new government?
vocational education,’’ says Paton. “But there are a lot of people throughout the region doing some great stuff – we want more great people doing great stuff. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t meet somebody doing some fantastic things. There are some staggering things happening in the region and we should applaud it.’’ He points out that Accenture, for which he
“We are working closely to really make sure that the North East is front and centre as part of the government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative’’
“We are working closely to really make sure that the North East is front and centre as part of the government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative,’’ he says. Is there a danger of the North East being overshadowed by Manchester and Leeds in the Northern Powerhouse? “I’m only interested in one region and that’s
is managing director of the group’s Newcastle Delivery Centre, works with schools and
more things like UTCs and studio schools.
the North East and I’m very confident that our
universities and it is supporting a new University
So does the LEP have a role in this?
uniqueness as a region, as a region that makes
Technical Colleges, UTC, North East Futures,
“Absolutely,’’ he says. “A key role for the LEP is
things and that exports things, will help us a lot in
which is to be opened in Newcastle in September
to work with employers, education providers and
the Northern Powerhouse,’’ he says.
2017. As a UTC, the government funded college
it has a strategic economic plan. There are six
He adds that the North East, as a centre of
will teach 14 to 18-year-olds, with an emphasis
themes to that: one is employability and another
manufacturing, will have a major role to play
on STEM subjects, and with the involvement of
theme is skills, so a third of the plan is very much
in the Government’s ambition to rebalance the
local employers such as Accenture and with the
dedicated to training. It’s a key priority for the LEP
economy away from a reliance on financial
co-sponsorship of University of Sunderland.
and it has always been my key priority.’’
services.
UTCs – of which there are now about 30 around
Other pillars of the economic plan are: innovation;
“We have to play to our strengths and the only
the UK – are the brainchild of the Baker Dearing
business support and access to finance; transport
way to play to our strengths is to make sure we
Educational Trust, set up by Lord Baker, former
and digital connectivity; and economic assets
have the right people with the right skills and
Education Secretary in Margaret Thatcher’s
and infrastructure. Under the heading of
training to grow our economy and the region will
Cabinet, and the late Lord Dearing, one-time
infrastructure, he points to the new Tyne Tunnel
be successful if we grow our economy.’’
head of the Post Office and senior civil servant.
- one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects
Baker and Dearing identified the growing threat
– the work on Newcastle’s Western Bypass and
of the skills shortage facing the UK in engineering
Sunderland’s new bridge over the Wear.
and manufacturing.
He also stresses the importance of another of
University of Sunderland is also sponsoring UTC
the themes.
South Durham, which will be located beside the
“One thing you cannot do is stand still, you have
new Hitachi train plant in Newton Aycliffe, and
to constantly innovate. We have appointed an
which will be opened in September 2016.
innovation director for the region, Hans Moller,
Between the ages of 14 to 15, UTC students
formerly chief executive of Sweden’s Ideon
spend 60% of their time studying the national
Science Park. We are extremely lucky to have
curriculum and 40% of their time on a
somebody who has got such a profile throughout
For more information email bob.paton@nelep.co.uk
38
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
World’s eyes on Ouseburn Regeneration schemes on the banks of the Tyne are making waves around the world, as we report
Malmo Quay
Carillion-igloo is undertaking major regeneration
with the very best of environmentally-friendly –
schemes in Newcastle’s Ouseburn, involving
and, importantly, community-friendly – schemes
investment of more than £30m and the creation
all in one place.’’
of eco-friendly homes and business space during
Carillion-igloo says its vision for Ouseburn is that
the next two years.
it should be a sustainable, distinctive, creative and
The schemes – The Malings, Malmo Quay and
cultural hub of the city offering high quality living
Lower Steenberg’s Yard – are attracting attention
for everyone who lives and works there.
across the region, UK and Europe.
Roberts adds: “The innovative approach taken by
David Roberts, deputy chief executive of igloo
our architects is creating something completely
Regeneration and project director for its work in
new for the North East and the projects are really
the Ouseburn Valley, says: “Our developments
capturing people’s imagination. It’s reflected in
at Ouseburn are providing the blueprint of how
the remarkable speed at which we sold most
regeneration can create a space for modern living,
of the homes in the first phase of our first
INSIGHT bqlive.co.uk
39
development – The Malings.”
and Lower Steenberg’s Yard, which build on
the overarching practice on the project, and
The developers are also designing the landscape
the unprecedented success of The Malings
London architects Mikhail Riches Architects and
and walkways around the Ouseburn riverfront. A
development to offer brand new opportunities
Featherstone Young.
walkway linking The Malings to the five-mile
to live and work close to a magnificent riverfront
Roberts says: “The Malmo Quay project is an
pathway along the Quayside, connecting the
and the city centre.
innovative development that is of interest to
development to the city centre is set to be
“Malmo Quay and Lower Steenberg’s Yard will
French cities because it is a partnership with
completed in tandem with the first phase of
bring an exciting new dimension to Newcastle’s
Newcastle City Council and uses Homes and
homes in early 2015.
creative and cultural hub when they are
Communities Agency owned land.
There will be a play area in the centre of the
completed.”
“We know a number of French metropolitan
development with seating and steps looking
The Malmo Quay masterplan was showcased as a
areas are looking at ways to achieve regeneration
down to the river. Homeowners at The Malings
world class location to an international audience
in their cities at a time of reduced public funding.
will be able to share a raised bed of micro
of architects, city planners and regeneration
Our project in Newcastle is not publicly funded
allotments and use onsite cycle parking and
specialists at the British Embassy in Paris earlier
but the land value it generates is shared with the
storage facilities.
this year.
council and the Homes and Communities Agency.
The roads will be ‘shared space’ – allowing cars
Igloo Regeneration was invited by the British
“Ouseburn is an exemplar project that other
but pedestrians and cyclists will have priority, and
ambassador to France to discuss the project as a
countries in Europe and globally can learn from.”
the cycleway along the Tyne provides a quick
central part of a Franco-British Future City event.
The Malmo Quay proposal was one of the
route for residents to reach the city centre.
Plans for the work at the gateway to Newcastle
projects featured in the Urbanistas exhibition at
Roberts says: “We’re excited at the progress
Quayside have been drawn up in a collaboration
The Core, Science Central, Newcastle upon Tyne
of the exceptional schemes at Malmo Quay
between French architect AWP, which will be
from 21 September to 4 October. n
“The innovative approach by our architetcs is creating something new for the North East and the projects are really capturing people’s imagination”
40
OVERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
City’s people have their say
OVERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
41
l to r Siglion’s Katie Sully, John Seager and Neil Hartley at the former Vaux site in Sunderland city centre.
Consultations are underway at the first of three sites that are to be transformed as part of the £100m-plus regeneration of Sunderland Sunderland residents have been giving their views on the proposals for the former Vaux Brewery site in consultation events that were held over the summer. Siglion, the development partnership, is producing a masterplan for the 5.5 hectare site, including office, hotel, leisure and residential uses together with infrastructure and car parking. A planning application will be submitted towards the end of the year. John Seager, chief executive of Siglion, said: “We’ve had fantastic turnouts for workshops and drop-in exhibitions. The completed questionnaires are being fed back to the design team. “We’re also publishing information about the consultations at shapingsunderland.com, where there will be a blog for people’s feedback, surveys about the proposals and images.” Similar consultation processes will be carried out
42
OVERVIEW bqlive.co.uk
“People’s opinion and comments will all be included in the feedback, which will guide our decisions for each development going forward. It’s important as many people as possible take the chance to have their say”
on Siglion’s proposed mixed-use development
approach. People’s opinions and comments will all
development and good design to build a platform
at Seaburn and residential development at
be included in the feedback, which will guide our
for new jobs to boost the local economy and to
Chapel Garth, with the public drop-in exhibitions
decisions for each development going forward.
have “a successful impact on the environment in
scheduled to take place later this year.
It’s important that as many people as possible
the long term’’.
Siglion is a joint venture company between
take the chance to have their say on shaping the
Peter Connolly of igloo Regeneration said:
Sunderland City Council and Carillion, managed
future of Sunderland.”
“We believe that good design combined
by igloo Regeneration.
Siglion’s five strategic priorities are to:
with a deep understanding of a place creates
Cllr Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland
• Improve concentration of new economic activity
developments where people want to be. This in
City Council, said: “This will be the biggest
in the city centre;
turn translates into demand for property, better
regeneration Sunderland has ever seen, and it’s
• Create a city centre that supports such higher
values, successful businesses and ultimately
vital that people get involved in the way their city
value job creation;
successful, viable developments leading to
is being shaped for the future.
• Bring dormant areas such as the former Vaux
economic growth.
“It’s important to remember that changes on this
site back into use;
“In Siglion, we are dedicating investment and
scale won’t happen overnight and the details that
• Offer a wider choice of housing to the market;
resources to deliver this regeneration, spear-
have been shared at the public consultations will
• Position Sunderland as a place to invest.
heading a step-change in the Sunderland
give people a realistic guide of what to expect.”
Carillion and Igloo Regeneration, which have
economy. “
Neil McMillan, chair of Siglion and development
completed major regeneration projects in the
Siglion development directors Katie Sully and Neil
director at Carillion, said: “Consulting with the
North East and UK wide, have joined forces to
Hartley are working with the chief executive to
people who live and work in Sunderland about
drive Sunderland’s largest ever redevelopment
drive forward the development programmes for
transforming key city sites is central to Siglion’s
project. Siglion says its approach is sustainable
the three key sites. n
theWORD: North East Centre for the Written Word Work has started on the construction of The Word, the North East Centre for the Written Word - the first stage in the redevelopment of South Shields Town Centre as part of the £100million South Shields 365 masterplan.
This new cultural attraction of regional significance for residents and visitors to enjoy, celebrates the written word in all its forms.
Opening Autumn 2016 The Word - an iconic three storey building will boast: • Exhibition space • Design and innovation studio with 3D printers • Children’s immersive storytelling area • A rooftop restaurant and terrace • Computer gaming area • Library • Digitised archives
• Meeting rooms • OpenZone IT suite • Café • Lens-telescopes and viewing platforms over river • The Word will also provide a purpose built home for the region’s writing talent
For more information about the regeneration of South Shields Town Centre go to:
www.southshields365.co.uk
To access live updates and information during construction visit:
www.southshields365progress.com
• BOOKS • ARCHIVE MATERIAL • SOCIAL MEDIA • SCREEN PLAYS • SONGS • POETRY • DIARIES • STAGE PLAYS • EXHIBITION AND EVENTS
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XY TXCRXYX bqlive.co.uk
TRAINING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY • Dedicated construction training facilities across two sites • Only college in the North East who deliver CISRS approved scaffolding courses • New AM2 electro-technical assessment centre • MMA and oxy-acetylene welding courses • HNC’s in Civil Engineering and Construction and the Built Environment For more information visit newcastlecollege.co.uk/employers, call 0191 200 4000 or email enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk