Radical refurbishment begins in Byker

3 February, 2011

Wates Living Space has this week commenced construction of the £2m redevelopment of Bolam Coyne in Byker for Your Homes Newcastle (YHN).

Bolam Coyne is a highly distinctive cluster of housing that forms part of the Grade II* listed Byker estate in Newcastle upon Tyne.

YHN was approved funding earlier this year to carry out a major refurbishment on the building, which was designed by prominent architect Ralph Erskine in the 1970s. Currently derelict, the radical refurbishment will see the transformation of 17 one to four bedroom homes into 15 two and three bedroom homes. Wates appointed Ryder Architecture to design the new scheme, in partnership with landscape architects, Colour UDL.

The redesign will overcome the complicated shared access to homes through balconies and across a courtyard that has historically caused problems for tenants and rendered Bolam Coyne vacant since 2000. The new redevelopment will instead provide each home with its own front door at ground level that faces outwards - enabling the creation of private gardens and a secure inner courtyard.

Landscape development will restore lost original features in the courtyard such as a small rainwater fed stream flowing through a shallow toe-dipping pool. Erskine design features from the Byker estate will be used around the new front door areas.

Joanne Jamieson, Business Unit Director for Wates Living Space, commented: “We are thrilled to be able to get cracking on delivering these fantastic new homes for the people of Byker. We will be working closely with Your Homes Newcastle and local residents, not only to provide much-improved housing but also create long-lasting community benefits through our investment in local people and businesses.”

John Lee, Chief Executive at YHN, said: “We are delighted to be starting work on Bolam Coyne to breathe new life into this unique development. Not only will it show our commitment to maintaining the original character of the site but it is part of our larger new build activities which go some way to meeting the demand for social housing in Newcastle.”

Colin Haylock, Urban Design Director at Ryder Architecture, which is part of the Wates Living Space team, had previously worked directly with Newcastle City Council on the planning of the original development in the late 1970s. He added: “The new design is a radical solution but with very minimal alteration to the external fabric it meets current building regulations and provides homes which meet 21st century expectations in accommodation and energy conservation, achieving Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3.

 “The Byker estate is regarded as one of the most important pieces of post war housing redevelopment for its architectural character and the high level of tenant involvement in its creation. It was listed Grade II* in 2007, placing it in the top 6% of listed buildings nationally.”

Wates has been working closely with Your Homes Newcastle, Newcastle City Council and English Heritage on the project, for which completion is expected in January 2012. It follows Wates Living Space’s recent work in Newcastle on the £31m redevelopment of the famous Cruddas Park tower blocks in the city’s West End. The ambitious regeneration programme has seen the area reinvigorated and renamed Riverside Dene.

Carol Pyrah, North East regional planning and development director at English Heritage said: “English Heritage has worked closely with all the partners involved in this scheme and we're delighted to see building work about to begin. Bolam Coyne forms an important part of Erskine's internationally renowned estate and has been derelict for many years.  As well as improving the situation for local residents, this scheme will repair and reuse an important part of our heritage." 

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Categories: refurbishment, affordable housing, north east

Tags: Bolam Coyne, Newcastle, Your Homes Newastle