Work begins on latest Newcastle properties to boost local economy by £6.7m

Newcastle-based housebuilder Bellway has begun work on a new homes development at Lower Callerton.

This aims to form part of a new housing scheme bringing £6.7m investment into the city’s facilities.

The developer is building 198 two, three, four and five-bedroom houses at Abbey Heights, off North Walbottle Road, after detailed plans were approved by the city council in June 2019.

The new homes will eventually become part of a 900-home neighbourhood over 178 acres, which has also been given outline permission by the council.

The new community at Lower Callerton is also set to include a local centre, public open space, allotments and a footbridge over the A69.

Lower Callerton forms part of Callerton Park, a series of new neighbourhoods set to provide 3,000 new homes to the west of the city, including Bellway’s existing Callerton Rise development at Westerhope.

As part of the planning agreement for the new homes at both sites, Bellway will be investing:

• £3.7 million in nearby schools
• £961k to improve local road junctions
• £886k towards Bullocksteads sports hub
• £816k towards a subsidised local bus service
• £292k to local healthcare services
• £163k towards off-site ecology

A new roundabout will provide access to Abbey Heights from North Walbottle Road, and a fourth arm will also be added at the Queensbury Drive/North Walbottle Road roundabout.

Emma Chesterton, head of sales for Bellway North East, added: “As a Newcastle-based builder we’re committed to investing in local infrastructure and facilities as well as delivering new homes for local people.

“This investment in the local community will bring benefits for existing residents as well as those moving into the area.

“We’ve now started work on site at Abbey Heights and look forward to welcoming people to the development when it opens to the public early next year.”