Newcastle City Council

Residents’ panel up and running

Bridging NewcastleGateshead (BNG) has set up a residents’ panel to provide a forum for residents to have their say on work and approaches we’re developing.

The panel members, who come from across our area, have a wide array of experience. They meet on a regularly to give views on subjects such as the financial packages available for house buyers and community engagement. Their comments are then fed into the BNG board. We are looking for more members from Newcastle to join the panel.

Candidates must live in the BNG area and want to have their say on the issues related to the running of our organisation. To find out if you live within the BNG area, you can view the ‘Your Area’ map at www.bridgingng.org.uk.

If you are interested in becoming a Panel member, contact Michelle Playford on 0191 277 2665, michelle.playford@bridgingng.org.uk, or Bridging NewcastleGateshead, 1st Floor, Central Exchange Buildings, 128 Grainger St, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 5AF.

What’s happening in the West End?

James Street

A scheme has been unveiled at James Street in Elswick which has seen 16 empty flats converted into eight family homes. The refurbished, three-bedroom homes are available for shared ownership in a scheme managed by Home and supported by BNG. Four of the homes have had their lofts converted and have an en-suite bathroom to the main bedroom. They are currently being sold through Sarah Mains on West Road.

Farndale Park

Following a complete facelift, Farndale Park is giving Benwell families a new place to relax, meet and play. New equipment, including a net pyramid, swings, a roundabout and climbing frame, as well as picnic tables and benches, has been installed in the park.

The park was officially opened by former Sheriff and Sherriff’s Lady, now the current Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress (Councillor Mike Cookson and Mrs Dorrie Cookson), local resident Joan Fairley and Canning Street Primary school pupil Jimnah Inayat-Bhatti. Jimnah also designed the invitations for the event.

What’s happening in the East End?

River’s Gate

The River’s Gate development in Walker Riverside has won the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Renaissance award in the residential category.

The project picked up the award in April at an event held at Newcastle’s Civic Centre. River’s Gate includes 107 homes, from two-bedroom apartments to fourbedroom family homes, all within walking distance of Newcastle Quayside. The homes are made up of two, three, and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments and meet high environmental standards.

River’s Gate is also one of the sites within Newcastle where the government’s HomeBuy Direct scheme is available. The scheme lends up to 30% of the cost of the new home interest free and has helped a number of local families to make a reservation on the site.

This article is paid for by Bridging NewcastleGateshead.