Member Article

UK’s greenest housing development unveiled in Newcastle

Some of the greenest homes in the UK have been unveiled in Newcastle, as part of a development to provide a range of private, affordable and shared ownership properties.

The development, located in the Blakelaw area of the city replaces 1970’s deck access flats, and it is hoped that it will provide a high standard of living for residents. The 98 new homes were developed by Leazes Homes in partnership with Keepmoat Homes, and have been built with a key focus on energy efficiency.

Bdaily attended the launch of the new homes, and spoke to Leazes Homes Chairman Bill Midgely, who described the project as “a great example of what can be achieved,” when these projects are approved.

“The opening of the new Blakelaw development is one we’re particularly proud of,” said Bill.
“I think it it shows what can be achieved if people realise the demand for these homes.

“I think the banks have a certain attitude on social housing because the demand is such that there isn’t a great risk in building them - it’s a little different on speculative building for private residences.”

Richard Bass, managing director of Keepmoat in the North East added: “ It’s a mixed useage scheme with a lot of units for Your Homes Newcastle, which will get people in early, as well as attracting new people into the area.

“We are also selling affordable homes, which mean the area will go from a downward spiral to an an upward spiral.

“It’s a good location close to the motorway and the city centre, and that’s what people want to live around.”

While Leazes Home are committed to providing affordable homes in the Newcastle area, the lack of funding is a real issue for these projects, and Bill believes that by supporting construction projects the Government could solve the housing crisis whilst also providing employment.

Bill continued: “We made some quite strong representation to Government, but unfortunately the Treasury rules every government department, and if you’re asking for money from the Government it is not easy to come by.

“ We have had some grants for schemes which support people with physical disabilities and learning difficulties, and we have a programme of that reaching out until 2015, so there is money available for that.

“However for general needs homes, effectively it’s got to be done on a commercial basis and given that the demand for housing is shooting through the roof and the waiting list for properties such as this is enormous, I would have thought the Government might have seen the need to put investment in.””

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