Byker estate set benefit from £11m improvement programme

The iconic Byker estate in Newcastle upon Tyne is set to benefit from a major external neighbourhood improvement programme, thanks to investment from Byker Community Trust (BCT), part of Karbon Homes.

Customers living on the estate were asked to identify their environmental concerns, problems and priorities for their neighbourhood and some of those improvements are now set to get underway this summer.

Waste management, creating safe play and open spaces, improved fencing and landscaping across the estate were just some of the areas they identified which will be addressed as part of an £11m investment programme between now and 2029.

BCT worked with JDDK Architects to consult with customers and developed a master plan for the area which includes proposals that are affordable, meet the investment priorities and are delivered in line with the estate’s Grade II listing. Representatives from Historic England and conservation and planning officers from Newcastle City Council have also been involved throughout the process.

As part of the delivery plans, the estate has been separated into 11 distinct neighbourhood areas for the implementation of the works, all of which have their own unique characteristics. The investment is part of Karbon’s Community Pledge to BCT as part of the transfer of engagements in April 2021.

Dunn Terrace and Headlam Green are the first two areas on the estate to benefit from these improvements and consultation with customers began this week on the installation of new communal bin stores and the introduction of recycling facilities.

Michelle Bell, assistant director Byker Community at Karbon Homes, said: “It’s great to see the delivery of these improvements get underway. Customers living in Byker told us their main priority was waste management, so we’re tackling this first and we’ll use these as pilots, gathering feedback from our customers living in these areas, before rolling out waste management improvements across the estate.

“Dunn Terrance will also be the first neighbourhood to benefit from other improvements including increased play provision for children and young people, fencing replacement and tree management. We’ve invited all customers living in this area to give us their views and feedback on the proposed designs for their neighbourhood.”

The Byker Neighbourhood External Improvement programme is part of Karbon’s refreshed approach to placeshaping, as outlined in its recently launched Fair Foundations report.

Byker is a pilot Karbon Impact Area where the organisation will work in partnership with local residents, local government, health, education, community organisations and major employers to develop a ground up place-based approach delivering long-term growth and prosperity for the area.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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