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North Tyneside properties transformed in regeneration programme

A pair of North Tyneside flats which stood empty for a combined total of 27 years are now let, thanks to an innovative scheme to transform eyesore properties into desirable homes.

After years of complaints, vandalism and problems with squatters, the two properties in Seymour Street, North Shields have been fully refurbished and returned to use through North Tyneside Council’s Empty Homes Programme.

The programme aims to alleviate the concerns of landlords and neighbours alike by offering to refurbish long-term empty properties to a high-quality standard, so they can be returned to the housing market once again.

As well as helping to regenerate local neighbourhoods, the scheme contributes to North Tyneside Council’s aim to create up to 3,000 more affordable homes across the borough over the next ten years.

Both flats have benefitted from a whole raft of improvements including new double-glazed windows and doors to the front and rear, new flooring, new and modern kitchen and bathroom suites plus plastering and painting throughout.

The flats have also been fitted with brand new central heating systems including energy efficient boilers, and new electrics.

The yard areas have also been cleared and tidied.

The work has been carried out by Kier North Tyneside, and the properties will be managed by North Tyneside Homes.

North Tyneside Council’s Empty Homes Programme has been funded by the Government’s New Homes Bonus, and allows the council to finance the costs of refurbishment, upfront.

The authority then carries out all improvement work and lets the property for an agreed number of years to those in housing need, until the original investment is repaid.

Similar work on eight more properties in the Wallsend area will start in early 2015, as part of the scheme.

Cabinet member with responsibility for Housing, Councillor John Harrison, said: “This innovative scheme is another example of how we are looking for new and alternative ways to deliver affordable homes for the borough.

“Without our intervention, it is likely that these properties would have remained derelict and un-liveable.

“Instead, we have transformed the flats and removed the potential for problems that empty properties can bring.

“The improvements have also changed the look of the street.”

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