Homes plan could see new bridge across river

A footbridge is shown on newly released images of the proposals for the Forth Yards site

A new bridge could be built across the River Tyne as part of a project aimed at transforming one of the most prominent patches of derelict land in north-east England.

New images have revealed the vision for Newcastle's Forth Yards riverside development where 2,500 homes are planned over the next two decades.

Proposals show the potential for a footbridge connecting Newcastle and Gateshead, located next to the existing Redheugh Bridge at the western end of the Quayside area.

The designs have been unveiled as Newcastle City Council launches a public consultation on the 52 acres (21 hectares) of former industrial land.

This summer, the government confirmed a £121.8m funding package to kick-start the regeneration of the Quayside West plot next to the Utilita Arena.

Quayside West is the largest parcel of land within the wider Forth Yards area and has lain vacant for more than 20 years, with repeated setbacks blamed on the cost of building infrastructure and remediating contaminated land on what was once leadworks, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

While Homes England is searching for a private-sector developer to deliver a 1,100-home project there, the council is urging people to have their say on what is needed.

A consultation will be held over the next six weeks asking for views on what types of housing, transport links, green spaces and community facilities are needed.

'Game-changer'

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of the Labour-run authority, said Forth Yards had "the potential to give Newcastle a huge economic boost" with hundreds of jobs created alongside the homes.

However, she added if it was to be a success, "we must give our residents, local landowners and other interested parties the chance to play their part and have their say".

Forth Yards has been described as the last significant development site in the city

The wider vision also includes the creation of a green walkway and cycle path - similar to New York's High Line - that could be built on a disused railway spur heading out of Central Station along Scotswood Road.

Louise Sloan, the council's assistant director of planning, this week told the authority's economy, jobs, and skills scrutiny committee that element was viewed as a "game-changer" for the creation of a new community in the West End of the city.

Committee chair Greg Stone, of the Liberal Democrats, said it was essential any development "creates opportunity that spreads out rather than just being a Quayside enclave", while Labour's Stephen Lambert praised the vision of overhauling what he said was a well-known "eyesore".

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