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John Healey pledges support to a new vision for Byker
Published: 2010-03-24 09:39:19
Housing Minister John Healey has pledged to give his full support to a new vision published today for the future of the iconic Byker estate.
(Sourced from the HCA.)
These proposals will bring £48 million into Byker and put the community in control of investment in the estate, redesigning homes, making them greener and creating new employment opportunities for local people.
The plan has been prepared by a special task force set up by Mr Healey and independently chaired by Professor Peter Roberts. It will be subject to agreement by the Byker community themselves.
Mr Healey met with residents of the historic site today where he welcomed proposals for the future of Byker, and pledged Government backing by writing off around £44 million in local housing debt.
Alongside the task force chair, Newcastle City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency, the Minister signed a commitment to work together to achieve the vision laid out by the task force to invest in a better future for Byker’s residents – refurbishing homes, tackling deprivation, and breathing new life into the area.
The grade II listed Byker Estate has been well-loved by its community for almost 40 years, but is in clear need of investment to meet modern standards. The new proposals for the future of Byker published today include plans to establish a new Community Trust to take ownership of the area and continue the vital task of its regeneration.
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