North East housing set for ‘tremendous boost’ as Bernicia confirms £190m investment plan

Social housing provider Bernicia has revealed plans to plough £190m into new homes, existing properties and communities in the North East.

The investment package, spread over the next five years, will create at least 500 new homes to tackle the demand for affordable social housing in the region.

Ashington-headquartered Bernicia is also setting aside £60m for improvements to its existing housing stock and support services.

The organisation currently has 60,000 customers in properties across Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Hartlepool and County Durham.

Bernicia employs 550 people and has revenues of £70m.

The new investment strategy, ‘Housing People, Helping People’, will see funds allocated as follows:

• £70m for the construction of at least 500 homes
• £60m to enhance 14,000 existing properties
• £50m for a responsive repairs programme
• £7m to improve communities and neighbourhoods

The strategy also includes the introduction of new digital technology to make accessing services easier.

Bernicia CEO John Johnston said: “Bernicia is in an ideal position to help drive forward the North East’s vision for growth and prosperity, especially within the housing sector.

“Our investment strategy is an exciting opportunity for us to build on the high levels of customer satisfaction we have, delivering the high quality, affordable homes that our region badly needs now and in the future.”

He continued: “As a company formed and based in the North East, we care deeply about our tenants and the communities they live in.

“We will be investing in those neighbourhoods by not only improving our existing homes but by supporting community projects bringing people together and creating opportunities for people to improve their lives.”

North East England Chamber of Commerce chief exec James Ramsbotham commented: “This substantial investment is a tremendous boost to our regional economy and excellent news for businesses who work with Bernicia.

“The North East has a shortage of high quality homes, and it’s great to see one of the region’s housing providers making such a strong commitment to change that and help build an environment for economic growth.”

He added: “These plans are an exemplar in social housing and really help to set the bar for the homes of the future.”

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