Member Article

Multi-million pound refurbishment begins in Byker

A construction firm has began a major £2m redevelopment in Byker for Your Homes Newcastle (YHN).

Wates Living Space, based in Surrey, has started work on Bolam Coyne, the distinctive cluster of housing that forms part of the Grade II* listed Byker Estate in Newcastle upon Tyne.

YHN was approved funding earlier this year to carry out a major refurbishment on the building, which was designed by prominent architect Ralph Erskine in the 1970s.

Currently derelict, the radical refurbishment will see the transformation of 17 one to four bedroom homes into 15 two and three bedroom homes.

Wates appointed Ryder Architecture to design the new scheme, in partnership with landscape architects, Colour UDL.

John Lee, Chief Executive at YHN, said: “We are delighted to be starting work on Bolam Coyne to breathe new life into this unique development.

“Not only will it show our commitment to maintaining the original character of the site but it is part of our larger new build activities which go some way to meeting the demand for social housing in Newcastle.”

“The Byker estate is regarded as one of the most important pieces of post war housing redevelopment for its architectural character and the high level of tenant involvement in its creation. It was listed grade II* in 2007, placing it in the top 6% of listed buildings nationally.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .