There are a number of major regeneration initiatives focussed on new housing taking place currently in Byker:
St Lawrence Square
Plans for a proposed new housing scheme to replace 1 and 2 bedroom flats which are currently being demolished, has recently been out to public consultation. The Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on St Lawrence can be viewed on Newcastle City Council’s website in the planning section.
w: www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/ldf_st_lawrence_square
Plans include details of 97 new homes, which will be a mix of 2 bedroom flats and 3/4/5 bedroom houses, for market sale and social housing for rent (in the main to accommodate residents who have relocated from St Lawrence and wish to return to the new scheme). There will also be some affordable housing for sale. Development is expected to start on site in early 2009 to be complete in early 2011.
New housing at South Byker
The intention is to develop planning guidelines within the next three years for approximately 120 new properties, which will be a mixture of flats and houses, built to a high standard of sustainability. Again there will be a mix of for sale at market value, social rent and affordable for sale.
Bolam Coyne
Work is ongoing around possible options for the refurbishment of housing units at Bolam Coyne, part of the Byker Estate, which is now Grade II* listed.
The two options being considered are either (1) to refurbish the homes to the standard they were before being vacated, 100% for residential use or (2) refurbish the units to create live/work units.
Option 2 is currently the preferred option. However further work is required to identify potential funders and management partners, along with consultation on the live/work proposal with possible users, to decide whether this aspiration is achievable.