Riverside Dene - the brand new name for the Cruddas Park tower blocks - was revealed in dramatic style today as the £31 million first phase of the area’s renewal was launched.

The name was unveiled in style from The Pines tower by abseilers from The Army while VIPs, residents and onlookers watched their display - and Newcastle Falcons' Tim Swinson and Steve Bates added extra excitement to the occasion.

Riverside Dene was the overwhelming choice in a community vote, with almost 70% of residents preferring it to the alternatives, Beacon Park and Beacon Dene.

“We offered a shortlist of three names, any of which we would have been happy to adopt,” said David Slater, Executive Director of Environment & Regeneration at Newcastle City Council. “But when the votes were counted, there was no doubt about the final winner."

The launch event marked the formal start of an ambitious programme which aims to transform the famous blocks both inside and out, with a classy new look, stylish double-height entrance halls and elegant apartments with bright interiors.

“It’s by far the biggest revamp since the blocks were built in the 1960s – and we want to show that this is a great place to live,” said David Slater. “The name celebrates the area’s fantastic views and its historical connections with the River Tyne. 

“The Northumbrian word ‘Dene’ highlights its parkland and green spaces – but also remembers the original Cruddas family, who lived in nearby Dene House. The new name will encourage new residents to make their home here, which will help to support better shops and services for everyone.”

Local resident Hassan Abbas, who has lived in the blocks for five years, welcomed the change: “I think it will be nice to have a new name, if we’re going to get more people to come here to live,” he said. “If anyone wants to come and live here, please do – it’s got tons of green land and the community is really nice here too.”

Contractors recently started work on the scheme’s £31 million first phase, which includes complete redevelopment of The Hawthorns, The Larches and The Sycamores over a 21-month period, with flats being made available for rent through Your Homes Newcastle. 

Later phases, which could bring the total investment to £90 million, are set to provide homes for sale through the scheme’s private sector partners, Gentoo and Bellway Homes. 

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

Find out more about Riverside Dene at www.riversidedene.co.uk.