BREAKING: Labour has just announced a groundbreaking investment of £1.1 billion to “turbocharge” social housing development in the North East. This urgent funding initiative aims to tackle the pressing housing crisis, delivering thousands of new social and affordable homes by 2029.
The North East mayor, Kim McGuinness, is set to encourage funding bids for priority areas, including Newcastle’s Forth Yards and town centers like South Shields and Wallsend. Housing Secretary Steve Reed described the plans as “lifechanging” for families awaiting safe and secure homes.
Ministers will allocate this substantial funding under the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), part of a massive £39 billion scheme projected to run until 2036. However, concerns remain regarding Labour’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million homes by the deadline, with the timeline for when the £1.1 billion will be distributed still unclear.
In addition, £17.6 million has been confirmed for the regeneration of brownfield land, previously announced by McGuinness, to boost housing development. This funding allows regional mayors greater control over housing strategies, with McGuinness stating, “We’re using every penny to build thousands more homes to rent and affordable options across the North East.”
Priority locations for development include areas poised for transport upgrades and riverfront sites such as Gateshead Quays and potential expansions along the Tyne and Wear Metro. The mayor’s office is actively encouraging bids that can transform derelict land into vibrant communities.
The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. As stated by Reed, “We’re backing the area all the way to get spades in the ground, fire up those diggers and build, baby, build.” The plans also aim to significantly reduce the social housing waiting list, a critical issue affecting many families in the region.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service previously highlighted 12 projects earmarked for investment. These include sites across Sunderland, Newcastle, and Northumberland, collectively poised to yield 1,190 new homes at a cost of £22.9 million.
Specific project allocations are as follows:
– Sheepfolds Plot 2, Sunderland: £5,120,437
– Walker, Newcastle: £4,810,755
– Gateshead Old Town Hall Quarter: £3,420,000
– Former Stobswood Brickworks, Northumberland: £2,987,126
– Garage sites in North Newcastle: £2,500,000
Additionally, the government announced a further £6.1 million for the Tees Valley, expected to unlock 244 new houses and revive neglected sites. It’s also confirmed that £225,000 will be allocated to both Newcastle and Hartlepool councils to expedite the construction of council homes at an unprecedented scale.
As Labour’s housing plans unfold, the emphasis on swift action is palpable. With both the public and private sectors rallying together, the North East stands at a pivotal moment to reshape its housing landscape. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates as the region gears up for a significant transformation in social housing availability.
This urgent initiative represents a crucial step towards ensuring safe, affordable homes for countless families across the North East.
