COUNCIL BACKING FOR FIRST PHASE OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
THE multi-million pound Northshore scheme to transform Stockton on Tees's riverside has been given a major boost with the announcement that a planning application for the first phase of development has been approved.
Fifty homes, incorporating exciting features such as roof terraces, courtyards and sustainable design with views of the River Tees, will form the first phase of the project's Home Zone.
Led by the Northshore Development Partnership, this initial phase will kick-start the development of 3.4 hectares of land set aside for the Home Zone, part of the wider Northshore mixed-use scheme which could see the creation of up to 999 homes in total.
The homes have been designed by Impromptu Architects and Sergison Bates, who were chosen after winning an international design competition which sought to challenge traditional housing design. The first phase includes a mix of two, three and four bedorom homes.
Richard Buckley, Director Development at Tees Valley Unlimited, said: "A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes between partners and the developers to get this phase of Northshore ready for approval, so we're delighted the plans have been given the go ahead.
"This is the first major element of the scheme to begin but there are many other exciting plans for the site, all of which will transform an underused pocket of prime riverside land into a trhiving mixed-use development, bringing with it jobs and investment."
The Northshore Home Zone is being brought to life by Muse Developments, partner in the Northshore Development Partnership and one of the country's leading mixed-use regeneration specialists.
James Crawley, Development Surveyor with Muse Developments, said: "The Northshore site on the bank of the River Tees has tremendous potential.
"The first phase of the Home Zone reflects the ambitions of the partners to deliver a project which will re-orientate the town with the river and, we hope, be the catalyst for further investment to the area."
The overall Northshore scheme, led by Tees Valley Unlimited, Stockton Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and One North East, has the potential to create 4,500 new jobs in addition to homes.
The Northshore Masterplan was granted approval by Stockton Borough Council in August while each individual element requires Reserved Matters approval to enable it to progress.
Future plans include new offices, shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, leisure facilities and a new campus for the University of Durham.
Councillor Ken Lupton, Leader of Stockton Borough Council, said: "This is such an important area of land to the town and its riverside and its poetntial really is massive. I am delighted this first phase of Home Zone has been approved and look forward to kick-starting the regeneration of the entire site."
Most of the land which will be transformed as part of the Northshore development was used for industry, but has stood unused for a number of years. The majority of the 23 hectare site is within the ownership of the Homes and Communities Agency.
Pat Ritchie, regional director of the Homes and Communities Agency, said: "Northshore can play a key role in bringing new homes, jobs and opportunities to Stockton and the wider Tees Valley.
"The HCA has already invested over £200m on site remediation and preparing the area, providing a platform for future developments, and will consider an application for funding from the Kickstart programme next month."
Work is intended to start in the summer, subject to the Kickstart funding application.
For more information contact Leanne English, Marketing Manager at Tees Valley Unlimited, on 01642 632013, 07725 602824 or email leanne.english@demo13.geonetsolutions.co.uk.