Member Article

Green light for next phase of £30 million South Shields regeneration scheme

South Tyneside Council has welcomed a decision by the Secretary of State confirming the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) made by the authority for the Trinity South neighbourhood.

The council sought the CPO to secure remaining land and properties in the southern half of Frederick Street, in the Laygate area of South Shields. This is in order to achieve transformational change and improve the quality of place for residents.

Acquiring the outstanding interests is necessary to allow the next phase of a £30 million residential regeneration scheme to progress.

The 5.6 hectare development, which will create more than 200 family homes, includes the former Circatex factory site and the southern half of Frederick Street.

The scheme, which is being developed by Keepmoat Homes in partnership with South Tyneside Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, forms part of the wider South Shields Riverside regeneration masterplan.

The development will ultimately bring 222 new family homes to the area, including 20 properties which will be available to rent through South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust.

The confirmation of the CPO by the Secretary of State means the road ahead is clear to acquire the remaining properties over the next few months.

As part of the plans, a new linear park running from Reed Street through the rear of Frederick Street will be constructed and the local medical practice will benefit from a new car park.

There will also be extensive new car parking around the retained northern half of Frederick Street to help support local businesses.

Lead Member for Regeneration and Economy, Councillor John Anglin, said: “Over the last few years the council has worked closely with owners and tenants to secure properties and support them with relocation.

“We would always prefer to acquire properties through negotiation but that has not been possible in all cases.

“Frederick Street is a crucial and fundamental element of the renewal of this neighbourhood so we are delighted that the Secretary of State has confirmed our CPO.

“Frederick Street has been in serious decline for several years. The demolition of the southern half and its replacement with quality, sustainable housing and a new park will create fantastic new housing opportunities for residents.

“The consolidating of the retail offer into a more sustainable core in the northern part of Frederick Street and Laygate, will inject a renewed commercial vitality into the area and allow it to thrive again as a neighbourhood centre.

“Now we’re looking forward to moving on with the rest of the scheme as soon as possible.”

Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, Ian Prescott, said: “We are delighted that the Secretary of State has chosen to support our exciting proposals to transform this historic part of South Shields.

“Local people have already bought into our vision with the site to rear of the CPO area having been one of our best-selling new housing schemes this year.”

Capital Development Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency, Martin Wilks, added: “The confirmation by the Secretary of State is great news for South Shields, it will allow the partners to finish the planned housing development and complete the transformation of this part of South Shields.”

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