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Report Highlights Progress to Date in Regenerating Neighbourhoods in NewcastleGateshead |
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Bridging NewcastleGateshead (BNG) has welcomed an independent report which highlights the impressive ground work it has done to date in regenerating neighbourhoods at the heart of NewcastleGateshead. The Audit Commission’s ‘Housing Market Renewal Programme Review’ found that pathfinders – of which BNG is one – have made positive progress, reducing empty homes, closing the gap on house prices and increasing population in many areas. The Report also praised the engagement with private sector partners, which is highlighted as a key strength of pathfinders. In addition, the Report states that pathfinders are well placed to contribute to the changing agendas, and have much to offer. Crucially, the Report also confirms that the rationale behind the pathfinder programme remains entirely valid, and whilst much has been achieved, there is still much to do to create sustainable communities. Anne Mulroy, Director of BNG said: “We welcome the Audit Commission Programme Review as its findings highlight the strengths which make pathfinders well placed to deliver extensive regeneration and renewal, particularly in the current market. The report reinforces the fact that we have already achieved and we still have unfinished business to create great places to live. We are keen to build on our successes to date and continue to bring sustainable, transformational change to the local housing market. We are pleased that the report recognises the work pathfinders do to support communities through change, and to work with housebuilders to ensure their participation and interest.” “The Report also recognises that these are difficult times with the market downturn impacting everywhere. We are working with our partners to tackle the challenges head-on, through developing affordable housing solutions, investing in refurbishment and liaising with developers and lenders. This report is a constructive assessment of our progress to date and will help inform our activity in the future and our contribution to regenerating NewcastleGateshead.” The Report also makes a number of recommendations, including that a greater national interest in, and appetite to learn from pathfinders, should be encouraged; and pathfinders should focus on identified areas for improvement. Bridging NewcastleGateshead was set up in 2003 to improve housing quality and choice at the heart of NewcastleGateshead, covering an area of around 77,000 homes. BNG is working in neighbourhoods such as Walker, Scotswood, Bensham and Felling, improving existing homes, building new homes, making environmental improvements and supporting neighbourhoods through transition. In 2008, BNG added Growth to its remit, and is now also responsible for improving the infrastructure in key regeneration areas in NewcastleGateshead.
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