Derwent Tower is part of the Ravensworth Road estate
Ravensworth Road, Dunston, is a close-knit community with a range of schools, a swimming pool, a library and local shops.
But the appearance of the area lets the neighbourhood down. The Ravensworth Road estate, which includes Derwent Tower, Cleveland Mews, Tower Court and Cheviot Green, in particular are no longer looking their best.
Gateshead Council has looked at different ways of tackling these problems. Our Cabinet agreed in January 2009 that the best way forward was to demolish and redevelop the Ravensworth Road estate (excluding Dunston Social Club) to create a neighbourhood that meets the needs of local people.
The story so far
Lots of consultation has been carried out to gather the views of local people on the proposals for redeveloping Ravensworth Road.
In 2008, The Gateshead Housing Company carried out one-to-one interviews with tenants to understand their views. The results from these interviews showed that:
We then asked the wider community for their views at a consultation event. This showed that:
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96% of residents visiting the event supported the demolition of Derwent Tower (4% were undecided)
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92% of the residents felt that both Derwent Tower and the maisonettes should be demolished so that new development could take place
Using this feedback and research carried out by consultants, an ‘options appraisal’ concluded that the best way to improve the neighbourhood was the demolition of Derwent Tower and the surrounding maisonettes, and redevelopment of the rest of the area.
Ideas for housing, shops and open space gathered at the consultation events were further developed into a Regeneration Framework as part of the Ravensworth Road study.
In September 2009, the government issued a Certificate of Immunity from Listing for the Ravensworth Road estate. This meant we were able to progress with our plans to redevelop the area.
The relocation of residential tenants from the maisonettes into alternative accommodation is underway and progressing well.
Next steps
Demolition of the maisonettes and the Derwent Tower is processing well
We will be looking for a developer over summer 2012 and will keep the community updated and involved in the progress of the site.
The visioning document and planning brief for Ravensworth Road was finalised by the council's Cabinet in December 2010. Click here| to read the document in full.