Member Article

Work underway on third phase of Birtley housing project

Work has started on the third phase of housing development at Birtley, Gateshead.

Part of a project which has already delivered 194 homes at The Sycamores and The Aspens, the third phase, the £17.5 million Cedars, will provide 73 two bedroomed, three and four bedroomed homes of which 49 will be for private sale and 24 for shared ownership with partner Home Group.

The development is part of a £350 million, housing led regeneration initiative being driven by the Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP).

GRP comprises Gateshead Council, construction and regeneration specialist Vistry Partnerships North East and Home Group, one of the UK’s largest housing associations. Its vision is to create over 2,000 new homes on 16 sites across the borough, that offer exceptional space standards, energy efficiency and value for money.

To date the partnership has delivered over 450 homes, on eight developments. As well as improving housing quality and choice, the initiative is providing opportunities for local business and people to thrive through job and training opportunities – a minimum of 25% of which go to local people - and an economic uplift – a quarter of the supply budget is committed to businesses within the borough.

Dave Brown, Managing Director of Vistry Partnerships North East, said: “It is really rewarding to see work start on site at The Cedars, with the previous two phases having proved so popular. These developments at Birtley have not only addressed local housing need by creating bespoke properties and a wide range of choice, but also provided economic stimulus for the local community.”

Simon Williams, Head of Development and Delivery at Home Group, said: “The GRP project has been a great success and continues to deliver for those in need of good quality affordable homes in their area.

“Working with partners like Vistry and Gateshead Council shows what can be delivered for people in the region.”

Councillor John Adams, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, said: “We are very happy to be moving forward with the third phase of housing at Birtley, bringing more new homes to the area. The development not only provides homes for local residents but helps the local economy, by giving jobs to local people and bringing business to local employers. Developments like this help create a thriving Gateshead.”

The first residents at The Cedars are expected to move in during the summer of 2023 with the development expected to be completed in early 2025.

*Picture caption: Dave Brown, Managing Director of Vistry Partnerships North East; Councillor John Adams, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council and Simon Williams, Head of Development and Delivery at Home Group, visiting the site.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .