Byker hobby rooms set for revival

A Newcastle housing estate is set to see two of its unique community spaces restored and returned to local use following new funding.

Housing provider Karbon Homes has secured more than £98,000 from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund to refurbish hobby rooms on the Grade II* listed Byker Estate. 

The estate, designed by architect Ralph Erskine in the 1960s, is one of 37 heritage sites across England to benefit from the latest round of funding.

Officials say the project will transform two hobby rooms, originally created to encourage community interaction, into modern spaces for residents and partners. 

They add that a room on Spires Lane will be redeveloped as a community hub, while another on St Michael’s Mount will become an artist’s studio, supporting creative production and wider engagement.

Victoria Keen, place partnership strategic lead at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this funding through Historic England, which will allow us to restore these unique spaces and make them fit for today’s community needs.  

“The hobby rooms are an important part of Byker’s architectural and social heritage, and this project will help us preserve this part of the estate’s identity, while creating new opportunities for our customers to connect, create and thrive.” 

Karbon Homes will work with local partners to ensure the rooms play an active role in community life, in line with its Fair Foundations approach to placeshaping and long-term social growth.

The initiative is part of Historic England’s drive to bring heritage buildings in disadvantaged areas back into productive use. 

Lou Brennan, director of regions at Historic England, added: “Thanks to the extra funding from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings that we haven’t been able to help through our existing grant schemes.  

“This initiative will not only boost economic growth but also create amazing opportunities for people in some of the nation's most disadvantaged areas. 

“We're thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it's needed most.” 

Work is due to start later this year, with completion expected in spring 2026.

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