Member Article

North Tyneside regeneration to continue with Northumberland Square plans

North Tyneside Council has approved plans to bring forward new housing schemes at Northumberland Square, in North Shields, as part of the area’s continued redevelopment.

The schemes would include a mix of high quality modern townhouses and apartments for sale in Northumberland Square, as well as family homes on the two sites in Whitley Bay as part of the£36m Seafront Master Plan, which includes the creation of 14 townhouses at High Point View and the renovation of the Spanish City Dome.

It was also agreed that a fourth development at Wallington Court, Cullercoats, would be explored to assess the potential of the site for new bungalows for both sale and affordable rent.

The four developments could see as many as 60 new homes being built that will support the council’s regeneration ambitions at the coast and in North Shields town centre. It should also contribute significant economic benefits to each area, as well as a boost to local businesses.

The schemes are in addition to the 3,000 new affordable homes being delivered by the council over a 10-year period, with work now close to completion on the first 850 homes.

Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn, said: “These are genuinely exciting projects that will breathe new life into several disused sites in the borough, and play a big supporting role in the work we are doing to regenerate North Shields and Whitley Bay.

“Northumberland Square is one of our most beautiful landmarks, and local people have been eager to see us bring forward a plan for this part of the square. I am confident our concept designs will excite them and demonstrate our commitment to this important conservation area.

“Our aspiration is that each of these schemes will act as a catalyst for further development, bringing extra footfall for local businesses, enhancing the viability of other local services, and generating revenue for the council to reinvest.

To showcase the council’s plans, drop-in sessions are being arranged for people to look at some concept designs and meet the architects.

The first drop-in session to showcase the Whisky Bends and The Avenue sites will take place on Wednesday 1 March, from 12pm-4pm, at the Whitley Bay Customer First Centre. The second event, focusing on Northumberland Square, takes place on Tuesday 7 March, from 12pm-4pm, at North Shields Customer Service Centre.