Bernicia unveils £400 million growth blueprint

A North East housing provider has set out plans to invest hundreds of millions of pounds to improve homes and support communities across the region.

Bernicia has announced a £400 million investment programme as part of its new five-year strategy, aimed at boosting housing supply, improving living standards and supporting economic opportunity.

The housing association, headquartered in Ashington, Northumberland, which manages more than 14,000 homes, plans to build up to 1000 new properties, with a strong focus on social rent to provide more affordable housing options.

Bernicia chief executive John Johnston, who has just been named chair of The North East Housing Partnership (NEHP), said: “In a challenging environment, we’re choosing ambition over inertia, with a commitment to invest £400 million to build new homes, improve existing homes and strengthen communities across the North East.

“‘The Bernicia Effect, Supporting Opportunity’ recognises that every home we provide and relationship we develop, has the power to change lives one person, one family, one community at a time.

“By listening closely, acting decisively and collaborating with like-minded partners, we will use our financial strength, expertise, insight and community understanding to generate and drive meaningful impacts that help people and places to thrive.”

Alongside new developments, the organisation will invest £121 million in upgrading existing homes, including improvements to energy efficiency, and allocate £115 million towards ongoing maintenance.

The strategy also includes targeted funding to support tenants into employment, alongside initiatives focused on skills development, wellbeing and financial resilience.

Bernicia will continue to invest in measures such as insulation, heat pumps and solar panels to reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions, with a goal of bringing all homes up to a high energy efficiency standard by 2030.

John added: “We will engage proactively with the North East Combined Authority, local councils, housing and education partners, employers and the voluntary sector to help shape a brighter future for our region.

“‘The Bernicia Effect’ reinforces our commitments to support all members of our community, help in tackling child poverty, supporting care leavers, armed forces communities and people furthest from the labour market.”

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