New JV to transform Scotswood

A new public private partnership has been launched to undertake the transformation of Scotswood in Newcastle- the biggest city redevelopment project in the north of England.

The new joint venture vehicle is a partnership between Newcastle City Council and developers Barratt Developments, Keepmoat and Yuill Homes (BKY).

Over the next 15 years it will invest £265million in the city’s West End, creating high quality homes with new neighbourhood and commercial facilities, parks and public open spaces. The partners will invest an equal amount of money into the joint venture.

In March 2010 strategic partners, the Homes and Communities Agency and Bridging NewcastleGateshead announced a £19million funding package to prepare the ground for the redevelopment. This work began in April and is expected to take 18 months. The first phase of new housing construction will commence toward the end of 2011.

A social and cultural programme to support the regeneration – ‘make your mark’ – is already advanced and £115,000 worth of grants for community projects was recently announced.

The launch event was staged to focus the attention of community organisations, local businesses, education and training providers, potential business partners and the public on the plans for the new and existing neighbourhood.

Speaking for the BKY consortium, Eugien Jaruga said: “This is a major step towards the creation and regeneration of a key Newcastle neighbourhood. It also demonstrates the strength, commitment and enthusiasm of this partnership to deliver this project.

“We are very much looking forward to forging strong relationships with all the stakeholders, particularly the local community. We are confident that, by working together, we can bring positive and lasting change to the West End of Newcastle.”

David Faulkner, leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “After many years of waiting this is a great day for the local community as we seek to create a vibrant and long lasting neighbourhood that will invigorate the west end, bringing opportunities for education, shopping, culture, employment and healthy living within easy reach.”