Radical Refurbishment continues in Byker

12 September, 2011

Refurbishment of Bolam Coyne, part of the Grade II* listed Byker estate in Newcastle upon Tyne, is continuing apace with contractors Wates Living Space now 32 weeks into the 36-week build programme.

Wates Living Space commenced the £2m redevelopment of Bolam Coyne in January in order to reinvigorate this highly distinctive cluster of housing, which was designed by prominent architect Ralph Erskine in the 1970s.

The radical refurbishment is seeing the transformation of 17 one to four bedroom homes into 15 two and three bedroom homes. The project is being funded by Your Homes Newcastle, and the Homes and Communities Agency and English Heritage, and was designed by Ryder Architecture in partnership with landscape architects, Colour UDL.  Bolam Coyne had lain empty since 2000 and was falling into serious disrepair.

 With 25 people currently working on the site, 158 incident-free days have been spent transforming Bolam Coyne to-date, equating to over 31,000 hours.

The redesign aims to overcome the complicated shared access to homes through balconies and across a courtyard that has historically caused problems for tenants.  Each home will now have its own front door at ground level that faces outwards (as seen on the accompanying images) - 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, Regional Managing Director for Wates Living Space, commented: “Our presence in Byker is approaching a very exciting time. Our site team is really enjoying the challenge of meeting the new radical design solution whilst maintaining the heritage of the external fabric. As the development begins to dramatically change shape, we have also been working hard to build links with the local community, including offering support and mentoring for the nearby Byker Primary School.”

John Lee, Chief Executive at YHN, said: “The refurbishment has captured the imagination of local people and we received a lot of applications for the properties. Offers have now been made on most homes and local housing staff are looking forward to handing over keys to the first tenants.”

Cllr Nick Kemp said: “For the last 10 years, since it was emptied, Bolam Coyne has been a problem, and an eyesore on the estate.  This exciting refurbishment is a really positive step for Byker - modern and practical whilst in keeping with the unique original design of the estate. 

“I am very grateful for the investment by the HCA and have been really impressed by the work of Wates and the designs by Ryders and Colour.  It is brilliant to see local businesses winning business and delivering in the community.  For me, fundamentally, the refurbishment of Bolam Coyne will be the first and very significant success of the community housing trust.”

Wates has been working closely with Your Homes Newcastle, Newcastle City Council and English Heritage on the project. It follows Wates Living Space’s recent work in Newcastle on the £36m 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 planning director at English Heritage said: “I’m delighted that English Heritage's grant aid, alongside funding from other partners, is making such a positive transformation to this part of the Byker estate.  We very much look forward to seeing the works completed over the coming weeks, bringing to a conclusion months of positive work with Your Homes Newcastle, Wates and others to bring this landmark building back to life".

To view this press release as a PDF please click here

Categories: regeneration, affordable housing, north east

Tags: Bolam Coyne. YOur Homes Newcastle