Robert Napier, Chair of the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA), was in the region yesterday (Tuesday 27th October) to find out more about the regeneration taking place in NewcastleGateshead, and to meet with residents who are benefitting from the work.
The visit was organised to provide Mr Napier with an overview of the work of the Bridging NewcastleGateshead partnership which is creating great places to live at the heart of Tyneside.
During the visit, Mr Napier visited Walker residents Brian and Betty Cheetham in their new home. He was also given a tour of the Hibernia Village communal garden in Walker by Ray o’Connor, a local resident who helps to run the garden. The garden, which has been developed in partnership with local residents and Nomad E5, includes an allotment, a shed, greenhouse, play area, seating area for barbecues and a green area. It is run by the community and vegetables grown there are used by local residents. The garden has proven so successful that local residents now also have an allotment nearby to enable them to grow more vegetables for the community.
Robert Napier, commenting on his visit to the North East, said: “One of our main objectives is to give people the opportunity to access high quality housing, in places they want to live, and where they can afford. It’s been great to get a better insight into the regeneration taking place in the region and to talk to the residents who are benefiting from the schemes we support. The residents’ positive feedback highlights that the HCA’s role in the North East is working well to provide quality housing and safe communities in which local residents enjoy living.”
The visit then travelled to Gateshead, where Mr Napier was given a tour of a family home in Macadam Street which has been converted from two dilapidated Tyneside flats. Here, Mr Napier met with local residents. Mr Napier also met with officials from BNG and the local authorities to discuss the ongoing regeneration work, and plans for the future.
Jim Coulter, Chair of the Bridging NewcastleGateshead partnership welcomed Mr Napier’s visit and commented: “Today’s visit has given us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the extensive regeneration which is taking place in NewcastleGateshead. We are delivering sustainable, long-lasting change in neighbourhoods, improving existing housing stock and building new homes, leading to better housing quality and choice for today’s and tomorrow's residents. Mr Napier has been able to see first-hand, and through meeting with residents, the difference we are making and the positive impact we are having within communities. We look forward to continuing to work with the Homes & Communities Agency to deliver regeneration across NewcastleGateshead."
