More than 250 homes are set to built on a long-vacant former freight depot in Gateshead as part of a £350m drive to build 1,500 homes across the town.
The depot near the Felling Bypass has lain empty for more than 25 years, but is now finally set for regeneration with 270 new homes to be constructed over the next five years. The Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP) – a joint venture involving Gateshead Council, housebuilder Countryside Partnerships and registered housing provider Home Group – has been responsible for overcoming the challenges that the site posed, including clearing abandoned old railway workings and preparing the former industrial land ready for redevelopment.
A final injection of cash from Homes England, the Government’s housing body, has enabled work to begin. The freight depot site is one of the biggest the partnership will develop in Gateshead. Homes will be available for sale, private and affordable rent and the first residents are expected to move into the new homes in December, with completion of the project expected in early 2028.
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Countryside Partnerships’ house building brand Linden Homes will market the 165 homes for sale, Home Group will offer 25 for affordable rent, while private rented sector homes specialist Sigma Capital will market 80 units for private rent under its build-to-rent brand, Simple Life.
The two, three and four bedroomed properties will meet Lifetime Homes standards, meaning they will be suitable for all, including those of restricted mobility. The development will also be the first housing scheme to be connected to Gateshead’s District Heating Network, a new, low carbon - and soon to be zero carbon - energy centre which generates both heat and power locally, via a new 5km underground network of heat pipes.
The project will create 15 apprenticeships and safeguard 18 jobs, while also offer more than 300 work experience, skills and training opportunities for local young people. Its layout will also incorporate a community hub and landscaping, including open spaces and green access routes through the site for pedestrians and cyclists.
Coun John Adams, Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for housing, said “It is fantastic to finally get this ambitious development in the heart of Gateshead underway. Regenerating an unused brownfield site into much needed homes to meet local housing need will not only improve choice and availability, but deliver an economic uplift for the town centre nearby.”
Dave Brown, managing director with Countryside Partnerships North East, said: “A landmark project for the partnership, the Freight Depot follows successful projects that have created over 423 homes in Birtley, Deckham, Rowlands Gill, Windy Nook and Saltwell – where our Trilogy I development was chosen as the country’s Best Regeneration Project of more than 71 homes, at the 2018 Inside Housing Awards. I’m confident this project will build on this success, creating more high quality homes for the borough and a bustling community on a formerly unused parcel of land.”
Laura Carr, development and delivery manager at Home Group, said: “In achieving this latest milestone, the project will soon be underway and able to deliver cutting-edge properties to a historic site - as well as fostering skills and opportunities within the local community.”
Graeme Reay, land director at Sigma, said: “The development, with a fantastic choice of tenure, is set to become a thriving new community and we’re thrilled to be offering local renters’ choice and peace of mind through new-build, high-quality rental - matched with a professional service. With over 5,000 properties already built in the UK, we are delighted to be launching our first homes within the Gateshead area."
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