£12m investment to create hundreds of North East homes

More than 600 homes could be built on brownfield sites across the North East after a £12m funding package was approved.The North of Tyne Combined Authority’s cabinet has approved the investment, which is part of a package of funding from the region’s devolution deal.As part of the deal, a new combined authority will be created in May – covering seven council areas.The funding will be used to kick-start construction in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, and South Tyneside, clearing the ground for 640 homes and supporting the creation of 1,142 construction jobs and 11 apprenticeships.Developments will comprise a mix of affordable, social housing and private rented homes, which could leverage up to £80m of private investment in the North East.• £5.2m to create 370 homes in Claspers Village and Chandless, Gateshead• £1.4m to unlock 67 affordable and green new homes in Wallsend and Longbenton, North TynesideMayor Jamie Driscoll said: “We’ve got a great track record delivering for people in the North of Tyne. We’ve already helped build over 2,000 new homes, with eco and affordable housing. Creating new council houses, reducing people’s bills and protecting our green belt land. We’re ahead of schedule on our housebuilding target.”This investment helps to continue that work and kick-start new projects across the North East. It unlocks good jobs and apprenticeships for local people, will bring money into the region from private companies and create over 600 new homes.”Norma Redfearn, chair of the Housing and Land Board, added: “This is good news. Across the North East demand for housing has never been higher and without this investment these sites would stand derelict. Instead, we are able to turn them into beautiful communities of homes where families can settle down, children can grow up and lifelong memories can be made – all while preserving our green spaces. “