Government acquires site for 'new neighbourhood'

Quayside West is near to Newcastle Central Station and Quayside

One of the "most significant" brownfield regeneration sites in Newcastle has been acquired by the government.

Homes England said it plans to create 1,100 "quality, sustainable new homes" on Quayside West.

The area lies within Forth Yards which has the potential for 2,500 new homes and a "new neighbourhood for the city", Homes England said.

Chief executive Peter Denton said the area needs "up-front public sector intervention to unlock its full potential".

'Stalled for 20 years'

Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, said it is working with Newcastle City Council, North of Tyne Combined Authority and Network Rail to develop the area.

A private firm previously hoping to develop the site went bust last year.

Forth Yards faces a number of access constraints and infrastructure requirements which stopped the private sector "bringing it forward", according to Homes England.

Mr Denton said: "Bringing Quayside West into public sector ownership will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Forth Yards, a key regeneration area for the city that has been stalled for more than 20 years."

Newcastle City Council leader Nick Kemp said: "As a former industrial site, it has been largely hidden away visible only by train as you come into the city. However, all of that is going to change."

"As a residential-led development it will offer a range of housing including affordable homes that will attract new families, safeguard employment and strengthen the city’s economy in the future."