The redevelopment of the former ‘Dunston Rocket’ site in Gateshead has won “Best Regeneration Project” at the recent Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor’s (RICS) North East awards. The scheme saw the transformation of the site on Ravensworth Road into a new community with homes, shops, medical centre and a park.
The £20 million regeneration scheme which took home the award for the best regeneration project, was delivered by Keepmoat Homes in partnership with Gateshead Council. The scheme was commended by the RICS judges for the radical transformation of the site off Ravensworth Road and for the resilience of the project team in delivering the scheme from concept to reality over several years, overcoming challenges and creating a new place with quality amenities.
Ian Prescott, Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat Homes commented: “It’s fantastic that this transformational regeneration project has been recognised by RICS and that we were able to take home the award for best regeneration project. Delivering this project has been a real team effort and it is this team work that has ensured we have managed to overcome challenges when they have arrived on the site. I’m delighted that we can all share in this success.”
Demolition of the ‘Rocket’ and the maisonettes started in 2010, and Keepmoat came on board in 2014. The construction side of the project has taken five years to finish and was completed earlier this year with the opening of a new medical centre on the site, which also includes, a mix of two and three bedroom houses alongside retailers including Aldi and Boots and accommodation for older people.
Andrew Marshall, Economic Development Director at Gateshead Council said, “We are really pleased that RICS acknowledged this high-quality development, where partnership working has helped achieve the regeneration and environmental goals set at the outset by the Council and Dunston residents. The area’s long-term prospects are very positive, and with the recent completion of the new doctors’ surgery, local health care provision will be much improved for the local community and beyond.”