South Tyneside is to receive a multi-million-pound brownfield regeneration scheme, which will revitalise derelict dockland into a thriving riverside quarter
Work on phase one of the brownfield regeneration scheme has now started, in tandem with civil engineering works which will prepare the wider nine-hectare site for future development.
‘A vibrant location which people will be proud to call home’
Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see work start on site on this scheme, following years of careful planning and preparation behind the scenes.
“This is a challenging site that has lain largely derelict for many years; this project will maximise its potential.
“The dockland’s industrial heritage will be retained, and it will be transformed into a vibrant location which people will be proud to call home, with culture and entertainment right on their doorstep.
“Regenerating this area will create a stronger connection between the town centre and the riverside and increase the residential population, which will boost footfall and help sustain businesses and services. I’m looking forward to seeing our ambitious plans start to come to life.”
Phase one of regeneration will consist of 48 family homes. Later phases of the scheme will bring a further 300 one to four-bedroom homes and apartments, which will be delivered by Keepmoat Homes in collaboration with Cussins.
15% of these will be affordable homes, delivered in partnership with the Bernicia Housing Group.
There will also be a new riverside promenade, opening up access along the riverside to new and existing residents, as well as new offices occupying an Enterprise Zone to the north of the site.
‘The project will both create and safeguard around 1,500 construction jobs’
Ian Prescott, land and partnerships director at Keepmoat Homes commented: “We’re delighted to start delivering the £62m residential element of this project in partnership with the Council and Cussins Homes.
“As well as providing over 300 new homes to the area, of which 15% will be affordable, the project will both create and safeguard around 1,500 construction jobs as part of our commitment to create a sustainable community.
“We have also pledged support to the local area to help generate training and employment through apprenticeships and work placements which we will deliver throughout the project. The completed scheme will bring in excess of 1,000 new residents into the area which will undoubtedly lead to a welcome boost to businesses in the nearby town centre.”
As a former industrial site, the development is undergoing remediation works which include the installation of a new quay edge wall, re-grading of the site, decontamination of the ground, and the raising of the former dry docks to overcome serious flooding issues.
Three of the docks will be restored, preserving the area’s industrial heritage.
‘Creating a sustainable and thriving residential area’
Dr Sam Hall, managing director of John F Hunt Regeneration, stated: “We are delighted to have been appointed by South Tyneside Council to undertake the remediation and enabling at the Holborn site.
“The works will be central to creating a sustainable and thriving residential area, in keeping with both nearby historic landmarks and the other new developments.”
The remediation work will be carried out in phases, with the ground and maritime improvements being completed in autumn 2023.
