Investment from Byker Community Trust has kickstarted an £11m neighbourhood improvement programme across Newcastle's Byker Estate.
The Trust, which became part of housing association Karbon Homes in 2021 following a transfer of ownership, is leading the scheme which will see works between now and 2029. Residents of the 1,800 homes on the Grade II listed estate were asked to identify required improvements and pointed to waste management, the creation of safe play and open spaces, improved fencing and landscaping.
In partnership with Newcastle-based JDDK Architects, the Trust consulted residents and created a masterplan for the area including affordable proposals. Historic England and conservation and planning officers from Newcastle City Council were also involved in the process.
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The investment is part of Karbon’s 'Community Pledge' to the Byker Community Trust - made as part of the transfer of engagements in April 2021 and including priorities that customers said were important to them. Dunn Terrace and Headlam Green are the first of 11 areas that will benefit from the programme.
Byker is a pilot Karbon Impact Area, meaning the organisation will work in partnership with residents, local government, health, education, community organisations and major employers to develop the area.
Michelle Bell, assistant director of Byker Community at Karbon Homes, said: "It’s great to see the delivery of these improvements get underway. Customers living in Byker told us their main priority was waste management, so we’re tackling this first and we’ll use these as pilots, gathering feedback from our customers living in these areas, before rolling out waste management improvements across the estate.
"Dunn Terrance will also be the first neighbourhood to benefit from other improvements including increased play provision for children and young people, fencing replacement and tree management. We’ve invited all customers living in this area to give us their views and feedback on the proposed designs for their neighbourhood."
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