Newbiggin Hall is a housing estate located in the north east of Newcastle. Its neighbourhood centre has been in serious decline, with more than half of the shop units closed. The City Council’s brief called for an economically viable and politically acceptable regeneration strategy that reprovided for existing traders and community organisations whilst establishing the basis for transformational change.

The confirmed approach followed a number of participatory events held with local traders and other stakeholders. Two large privately owned clubs within the area were also brought on board to broaden the critical mass of new facilities and enhance the new neighbourhood centre’s overall offer. A large component of new housing was introduced to assist vitality and viability.

Following adoption of the brief, the practice assisted the Council in achieving Outline Planning and developer procurement,, enabling the first phase of construction to proceed.