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‘We are an ambitious council’, says Gateshead, following £54m investment programme

Gateshead Council’s end of year report has showed nearly £54m of investment in the town, despite financial challenges faced in 2015-16.

The investment programme included almost £18m of investment in housing, including ongoing improvements to more than 1,100 existing council properties.

There was £9m of investment in carbon management and sustainability projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and generating ongoing savings.

Projects include the innovative District Energy Scheme, which is expected to become operational by this autumn, installing solar PV panels on over 30 Council buildings and schools as well as street lighting improvements and energy efficient lighting upgrades.

There was £6m of investment in Council’s transport infrastructure, including highway maintenance schemes and sustainable transport improvements.

The borough’s schools benefitted from over £5m of improvements, including increasing capacity in schools.

Another £2.6m of investment in the Council’s Accelerated Development Zone is helping to bring forward development at Gateshead Quays and Baltic Business Quarter, generating economic growth.

Gateshead Council leader, Councillor Martin Gannon, said: “We are an ambitious council, despite the serious financial challenges we face.

“We continue to invest in long-term projects that will improve the lives of our residents and businesses, including affordable housing and transport infrastructure.

“We are also nearing completion of the pioneering Gateshead District Energy Scheme that will generate low-carbon heat and power locally for supply to public buildings, homes and businesses in Gateshead town centre.”

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