BQ2 North East Special Report

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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24/09/2015

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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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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

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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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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