Centre West : Community at our heart

RIVERSIDE DENE 

The successful refurbishment of five of the Cruddas Park tower blocks (now re-named Riverside Dene) is completed.  With four blocks now fully let to social tenants and one nearly full with homeowners, their elegant styling and vivid night-lighting provide a welcome addition to the local sky-line.

To complete the programme, work has now begun on the demolition of the five remaining vacant towers. The contractors, TDS (Technical Demolition Services) came on site in November.  The hoardings have gone up and the stripping of internal fixtures and fittings is now taking place. The buildings will be taken down a bit at a time, no explosions, and residents are advised that there is likely to be the possibility of dust and extra vehicles in the area for the nine months it will take to complete their removal and the landscaping of the cleared site. 

YHN and the City are leading on the process and are also looking at possible development options for the site in the future.  It is anticipated there will be some public consultation across the area as to what developments might best contribute to the greater well-being and long-term future of these inner west neighbourhoods.

The contact officer for information on the programme of demolition and subsequent landscaping of the site is Stuart Bagnall, Area Investment Manager, YHN (0191) 278 8618.

Find out more about Riverside Dene at www.riversidedene.co.uk.


RIVERSIDE DENE: KEY FACTS


Multimillion investment over six years to create high-quality refurbishment of ten tower blocks
• Preliminary work started in March 2008
• First three blocks – Hawthorns, Larches & Sycamores – now underway
• Complete internal redevelopment of ten blocks
• A new look for all the blocks – including Cruddas Park House
• New features including a nature corridor, landscaped communal gardens, new footpaths and public art and better parking provision
• Five blocks retained by City Council for rent
• Five blocks improved for sale for home ownership
• Green measures, possibly including a more efficient district heating system
• Transformation of the shopping centre
• More choice in size of flats


Backed by Newcastle City Council, Bridging NewcastleGateshead, Your Homes Newcastle and New Deal for Communities, as well as private sector partners Gentoo, Bellway Homes and Wates Living Space.