A partnership between Riverside, one of the UK’s largest social housing providers, Keepmoat Group and Newcastle City Council has led to the development of 26 two bedroom bungalows in Cambo Green, Newcastle.
The £2.36m scheme is the first to be completed under the recently created Newcastle Housing Delivery Partnership. The initiative, part of the City Council’s £25m Future Homes Programme, aims to provide attractive and affordable homes to better meet the changing needs of people living in the city.
And the residents of the new development, which includes two wheelchair accessible bungalows, have expressed thrilled by the difference moving into a new home has made to their lives.
Mr Anderson and Ms Barrat, were amongst the first tenants to get the keys to their new bungalow and are delighted with their new home.
Mr Anderson said “This is a fantastic development and I couldn’t have asked for better. I’m a disabled army veteran and in my last home I had problems with things like getting in and out of the bath. But here, not only is everything on one level, but I have a walk-in shower which is so easy to use. The area has a great community spirit, our new home has everything we need and it has made a huge difference to our lives.”
Mr Holden, who recently moved into one of the wheelchair accessible bungalows, said “After moving back to Newcastle I’d been living with my parents for two years in a high rise flat that didn’t meet my needs. I spent most of my time in my bedroom as it wasn’t easy to move around in my wheelchair. Then my MP, Catherine McKinnell, put me in touch with Riverside, I was given the chance to bid on this property and lucky enough to be successful. The difference living here has made to my life is unbelievable. I feel like I’ve got my independence back.”
And it isn’t just residents that have benefitted from this new innovative partnership. Young people in the area are being given the opportunity to gain new skills and learn a trade through an apprenticeship.
Adam Walker, 18, worked on the Cambo Green development after being offered a plumbing apprenticeship with John N Dunn Building Services.
Adam said, “After college it was great get some real life experience. I really enjoyed working on the site. It felt good seeing the houses finished, knowing I played a part in building them gave me a real sense of achievement. And now I’ve been offered a permanent job which is brilliant.”
Councillor Jane Streather, Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Health said “This scheme of accessible, affordable homes to rent demonstrates Newcastle City Council’s commitment to providing a range of high standard homes that meet the needs of all residents in our city.”
“It’s been lovely to meet the tenants and see the difference their new homes has made to their lives. The success of this development shows that working together, in partnership, is the best way to meet the needs of our residents now and in the future.”
Julie Gray, Assistant Director Development and Growth with Riverside said “These bungalows help meet the changing needs of the local neighbourhood, providing accessible, affordable homes for rent in the heart of the Blakelaw community. We know that a successful development is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about sustaining and developing the wider community. We are delighted that the partnership with Newcastle City Council and Keepmoat is providing local jobs and training as well as much needed new homes.
Ian Avis, Construction Manager at Keepmoat said “Keepmoat are proud to have played an integral part in this fantastic project which has transformed the space into attractive homes that people can afford to buy/rent and a created a neighbourhood where people of all generations and backgrounds want to live”