A vibrant community, a stunning riverside location, good transport links to central
Following the decline of heavy industry in the area, numerous terraces and dwellings were demolished and by the 1950’s the residential communities that had been living there had been re-housed elsewhere.
However, many residential communities in neighbouring Byker and Shieldfield remained, and improvements in housing, including the famous Byker Wall designed by Ralph Erskine in the 1970’s, have established quality and affordability in the area.
Today the Valley is made up of a number of smaller residential communities. New housing developments have been constructed over the last 20 years and options will increase over the next 3-5 years as more sites come forward for development. Plans include high quality sustainable family houses, as well as one and two bedroom flats and larger townhouses, with homes for sale at market value and on a social rent basis. In line with planning conditions, a proportion of affordable housing will be provided within new developments.
The Valley was designated a conservation area in 2000 so new additions must fit stringent design and aesthetic criteria to preserve the character and heritage of the area.
Local amenities - there is a major supermarket, a Post Office and a good selection of high street and independent stores on Shields Road, just to the east of the Ouseburn. There is also a Post Office, a chemist and a newsagent within easy reach of Lime Street
Schools – the area has a good catchment of schools. For primary age children there is Byker Primary, Hotspur Primary, Christchurch Primary CE and St Lawrence RC Primary. There are also two secondary schools nearby,
Current residential areas
Steenbergs Flats – supported accommodation in a sensitive conversion of a former Co-operative boot and shoe works.
Lime Square - a unique and innovative development of one and two bedroom modern and stylish apartments. The amenities at Lime Square include a gym, a concierge, secure underground parking and a tranquil courtyard garden. Properties for sale and rent through local agents.
St Ann ’s Estate – Late 1960’s flats set around attractive green spaces. Predominantly social housing, with properties occasionally available for sale. Your Homes Newcastle 0191 278 8600, www.yhn.org.uk and local estate agents.
Byker Wall - 620 maisonettes of predominantly social housing. The Wall has earned many awards for vision and innovation and has also been placed on UNESCO’s list of outstanding twentieth century buildings. In 2007, the Estate became a grade II* listed building.
The whole estate is currently being refurbished by Your Homes Newcastle, the management organisation that looks after the Newcastle City Council’s stock of social housing. The refurbishment scheme involves the re-instatement of original features and colour schemes, making use of modern materials where possible, while retaining the look and feel of the 1970’s design scheme.
Your Homes Newcastle 0191 278 8600, www.yhn.org.uk and local estate agents.
Future proposals
St Lawrence Square - An attractive scheme set around the existing Victorian park is being developed by Letts Wheeler Architects. It will mostly consist of low rise and terraced mixed tenure housing that will be particularly attractive to families. Accommodation will be sustainably built and will make good use of energy saving technologies.
Ouseburn Central – Architects Hopper Howe Sadler have prepared a Masterplan for this area at the heart of the Valley which is harmonious with the Ouseburn’s history and character. It includes plans for larger, family type homes and affordable housing, together with commercial and leisure uses.
Byker Buildings – This prominent site affords stunning views of the