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Issue date: 15 August 2006
AUDIT COMMISSION PERFORMANCE REVIEW PRAISES BRIDGING NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD
Bridging NewcastleGateshead (BNG) has welcomed an encouraging Audit Commission performance review which highlights some of its achievements and praises its work on a major regeneration project in Newcastle .
The Audit Commission undertook its performance review in May and focused on BNG’s work in Walker Riverside, a £450 million redevelopment scheme in Newcastle’s East End. The report identified several strengths of the Walker Riverside scheme, including:
- The Walker Riverside proposals build on a wide array of research and community consultation that has been amassed over a number of years
- Engaging with people who live, work and have an interest in Walker Riverside is a key feature of work to date, with substantial resources deployed by all partners in a genuine commitment to get the community on board
- The extent of resident choice and input into redevelopment of the Cambrian estate (where the first phase of 29 new homes are under construction) has been particularly extensive
- There is much optimism for the future at Walker Riverside
As well as focusing on Walker Riverside, a partnership of Places for People, Newcastle City Council with BNG, the report also outlines some of BNG’s general accomplishments, such as:
- BNG generally has been active in developing and sharing good practice
- BNG is recognised as a priority within Newcastle City Council and was a key driver in a comprehensive restructure, resulting in the formation of a Regeneration Directorate
- BNG has a strong commitment to promote quality, design and environmental sustainability.
Anne Mulroy, Director of Bridging NewcastleGateshead commented: “This report gives a clear indication of the positive impact that BNG, as a partner, is having in the regeneration of Walker Riverside. The report also recognises some of our particular strengths in regard to design and developing good practice.
“It is very encouraging to receive such a good report as it shows us that we are heading in the right direction, both as an organisation and in this particular project. However, we know that there is much more to do and we will continue to build on these foundations.”
During the performance review, the Audit Commission interviewed community representatives as well as stakeholders from Newcastle City Council, BNG and other partners. A large number of reports and publications were also analysed in great detail.
The Walker Riverside project will bring up to 2,200 new homes over a 10-15 year project. The first residents will move into phase one of the new homes in autumn 2006.
Marie Fallon, Director of Regeneration at Newcastle City Council, said:
"Our vision for Walker is to create a sustainable community with new homes, jobs, schools and other facilities where people want to live and work. Bridging NewcastleGateshead is a key partner that we are working with to make this a reality and their support is very important. We are pleased that the Audit Commission also recognises the valuable contribution they make to the project."