Newcastle leader zooms in on housing drive
Karen Kilgour has set out a strategy to add 15,000 homes to the city over the next decade, although the pathway to funding is not yet clear.
Around 10% of these homes will be council houses, with larger family properties and adapted homes for disabled residents given priority.
Plans for council houses are already underway for developments in Walker, Elswick, Blakelaw, Forth Yards, and a range of smaller sites, with funding from the North East Combined Authority accelerating delivery. Construction on some schemes is expected to begin later this year.
Kilgour has called on the government for more funding to support other schemes, which will include around 13,500 new homes delivered by private developers, alongside private and social landlords.
As part of the push for housing, Kilgour also intends to reduce the number of HMOs in the city and address the issue of empty properties, to strengthen and improve communities.
The soon-to-be-published plan will be presented to the council cabinet next month.
The West Fenham councillor said: “We know how vital it is for people to have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality homes, and this programme will deliver exactly that.
“But it isn’t only about bricks and mortar, it’s also about shaping new communities with neighbourhoods that work better for residents, which may involve some selective demolition and rebuilding.
“By investing in council housing, developing more robust infrastructure and working with partners, we will build a Newcastle that works for everyone…
“But it isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about creating places where people can build their lives, connect with neighbours, and feel part of something bigger.
“We need to shape the housing market to better respond to pressures and meet the needs of our growing population. That means the right homes in the right communities, with a mix of tenure for all.”
