Member Article

Big launch for north east’s largest scheme

Probably the biggest – and certainly the widest – hoarding on Tyneside was unveiled at Scotswood today, announcing the name of the north east’s largest housing development.

The 24 x 3 metre structure – which required a specially made steel frame and extra concrete to keep up – declares the arrival of The Rise, where building commenced last month with the help of local residents who have lived a combined 291 years in the area.

Strategically placed at the junction of Scotswood Road and Whitehouse Road – which will be the route to the development – the die-bond aluminium sign makes a big statement about the ambitious project.

The name was chosen because of the way the site climbs away from the River Tyne and the way architects – IDP - have used this to create a tiered development across the slope, with green links through to the existing neighbourhood.

Artwork for the sign and a number of others which will appear over the next few weeks, was developed by Newcastle based design and digital marketing specialist fma.

Said Managing Director, Angus McLanders: “This has been a big job in every sense. Not just in terms of the importance of the development to Newcastle and the challenge of coming up with a name and image that won approval from all of the partners but also because of the sheer size of this hoarding.

“To make it strong enough to withstand the wind on a pretty exposed corner we have had to have it made from aluminium and set in a special steel frame, held in place by extra concrete. There have been a string of logistical challenges but I think the results make it worth all the effort.”

Duncan Bowman, Development Director with the New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC), which is driving the initiative, added: “I think it looks pretty impressive and will no doubt catch the attention of the thousands of people travelling along the Scotswood Road. It will certainly help raise awareness of the project.”

NTWDC is a joint public/private venture partnership between Newcastle City Council and developers Barratt and Keepmoat. Over the next 15-18 years a £265 million investment will create 1,800 homes, a neighbourhood centre, open space and commercial facilities on 66 hectares of land on the banks for the River Tyne.

The building of the first phase – 377 homes with 319 for sale and 58 for rent or shared ownership – was launched by local residents, some of whose former homes were demolished to make way for the redevelopment.

With backing from the Homes and Communities Agency, the plan is to provide mainly family homes – over 60% will be three and four-bedroom houses – including affordable homes owned and managed by the Fabrick Group.

Throughout the building project, NTWDC will continue to work with local schools, training and employment providers, along with business support agencies to increase opportunities for local people and firms.

For more information on about The Rise, please visit www.therise.info or call 0844 571 0399 Monday to Sunday between 8am and 9pm.

*Pictured: (L-R) Mike Roberts - Managing Director with Barratt Homes North East, Angus McLanders - Managing Director at fma, Duncan Bowman - Development Director with the New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC) and Richard Bass - Managing Director Keepmoat New Build North East at the unveiling of the hoarding.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .