Work under way on mining village masterplan
The Hirst estate was developed in the early 1900s to house miners
- Published
A long-term project to redevelop a town once dominated by mining is under way.
The three stage "Hirst masterplan, external" from Northumberland County Council proposes replacing some homes at the Hirst estate in Ashington with bigger houses.
There will also be more green spaces and play areas, while existing homes will be updated and powered by cleaner, cheaper energy sources.
Deputy Leader Richard Wearmouth said: “It is among the most ambitious projects this council has undertaken over many years."
The Hirst estate contains about 3,300 homes built for miners working at Woodhorn Colliery
The Hirst estate was developed in the early 1900s to house miners and their families working at Woodhorn Colliery and contains about 3,300 homes.
It was where the footballing brothers Jack and Bobby Charlton grew up and is also known for the Pitmen Painters; miners who became successful artists.
The council says housing developments on the outskirts show there is demand to live in Ashington, but many houses on the Hirst estate are empty or dilapidated with high levels of deprivation.
It believes the new Northumberland Line railway due to open this summer, external is an opportunity to begin the regeneration of the core of Ashington.
England footballers Jack and Bobby Charlton both grew up in Ashington
The project, which is split into three stages, will begin with repairs and maintenance to boundaries and back gardens
Phase one will also include new housing on the former Coulson School site.
The main construction work, which could include the demolition and rebuilding of homes, is due to begin in 2027 and will continue into the 2030s.
The Hirst estate in 1961 when most of the houses were occupied by mining families
Mr Wearmouth said: “The masterplan aims to make this part of Ashington a better place to live and tackle inequalities"
“This is not a quick fix or a sticking plaster for the area.
"It’s a detailed long-term plan looking at every aspect of The Hirst, working alongside the people who live and work there, aiming to build a sustainable future over the coming decades.”
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