New Cruddas Park

Elegant entrance halls, public art and a striking new external look could be the focus for a classy new future for Cruddas Park as part of plans submitted to Newcastle City Coun

Councillors on Newcastle's Development Control Committee gave their endorsement tare set to consider a planning application for a £97.4 million regeneration scheme on Friday 20 June, with a major transformation on the cards for the tower blocks in Newcastle’s West End.  

 

“This is another major step in the revival of Newcastle’s West End,” said Bill Shepherd, Executive member for Regeneration & Housing at Newcastle City Council. “The Cruddas Park of the future can be a high quality place to rent or buy, with great views and green spaces – only a short walk from the city centre.

 

“We have a strong partnership of seven organisations working hard to finalise funding for the project with a view to starting work before the end of this year.”

 

With detailed plans now in place, future residents can look forward to homes transformed with simple, classic materials and imaginative use of light and space. Upon entering each block, residents will be welcomed by a spacious entrance hall with an overhead walkway and stylish glass balustrade [a decorative railing].

 

“We want an impressive sense of space as soon as people enter the tower blocks, and for residents to feel at home the moment they step inside,” said Stuart Hutchinson, Head of Design at Gentoo.

 

“A key principle of the scheme is to allow natural light to illuminate the blocks, as well as using landscaping to create welcoming spaces for people to enjoy.”

 

The blocks, white with accents of purple and blue, will be crowned with a stunning halo feature and have metal cladding with matt and polished bands around their bases.

 

The scheme is also expected to include landscaped communal gardens, a nature corridor and a ground floor feature room in every block, chosen by residents from options like a visitors’ flat, a residents’ lounge or an IT suite.

 

Meanwhile, further studies are looking into the practicalities of a greener and more efficient district heating system as well as a revived shopping centre.

 

The scheme is backed by Newcastle City Council, Bridging NewcastleGateshead, Your Homes Newcastle and New Deal for Communities, as well as private sector partners Gentoo, Bellway Homes and Wates Living Space.

The scheme received a further boost in July, as the Board of Bridging NewcastleGateshead voted to invest £8.95 million in the first phase of the scheme. With key funding now in place, the scheme is now awaiting a final decision on planning permission from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government before work can get underway.