A place with a buzz...
As a world-famous centre for engineering and shipbuilding, Scotswood was once the industrial heartland of Newcastle. Now, with a £400 million regeneration scheme on the way, a new and equally distinctive Scotswood is taking shape for the 21st century.
It’s one of the most ambitious renewal projects in Newcastle’s history: almost 2000 new homes, striking public spaces and attractive parkland, all within easy reach of shops and services at a new neighbourhood heart.
But the fifteen-year scheme is about much more than that. Imaginative design is top of the agenda for Newcastle City Council and its partners, with a commitment to creating an exciting place to live and visit. A place with a buzz.
“This isn’t just another housing estate,” said Tom Hutchinson, a member of the team developing the Council’s vision for Scotswood. “We’re committed to doing something innovative, to creating a place that will surprise and delight people.”
Local people have played a key role in shaping the Council’s vision for Scotswood, and innovation will be top of the agenda when residents get together with project leaders to choose architects for the scheme.
“We have laid down a challenge to architects across the country to come up with the most interesting ideas they can,” he added. “The best ideas will help to form the centrepiece of the new neighbourhood.”
The new Scotswood will also have a strong green flavour, with homes built to high environmental standards and new parkland running right through the neighbourhood. And with the new Excelsior Academy set to open later this year, educational facilities will be another selling point.
Meanwhile, the area can look forward to a jobs boost, through construction work, new business premises and redevelopment of the nearby Whitehouse Enterprise Centre.
With the first phase of around 300 homes set for completion by 2011, the new Scotswood will play host to the UK’s first Neighbourhood Expo – showcasing new standards in design through a 12-week festival. High profile cultural events will take place on a new civic square in the heart of the new neighbourhood.
“Above all, our aim is to create a distinctive place where people will want to live.”
The plans for Scotswood are supported by Bridging NewcastleGateshead and English Partnerships as well as Newcastle City Council.
To find out more about the plans, contact Tom Hutchinson on 0191 277 1795.
