As one of the government's housing market renewal pathfinders, Bridging NewcastleGateshead is at the forefront of delivering the sustainable communities agenda in the North East.

Housing market renewal pathfinders were established by the government in areas where empty and abandoned housing is causing problems. By investing in local communities and providing different types of housing we will help people stay in the area and encourage new people to move here.

Although only two years into a 15-year programme, with £73mn of investment differences can already be seen.

* In Newcastle an innovative neighbourhood management scheme that works in partnership with ourselves, Newcastle City Council, Home Housing, Northumbria Police and the Private Rented Project has seen crime drop by around 30 per cent and over 100 properties be brought back into use.
* The Byker Design Competition, part funded by Bridging NewcastleGateshead, has attracted entries from some of the country's top architectural designers keen to be involved in putting together proposals for two sites outside of the internationally renowned Byker Wall, at St Lawrence Square and Raby Cross.
* Turning plans into reality in Walker are two show homes. The homes, built to eco and lifetime home standards, are helping residents to see what could be possible through the regeneration of the area.
* Empty Tyneside flats in Gateshead have been converted into large five bedroom family homes for rent.
* Local schoolchildren are being engaged in the regeneration of their area using video, photography and planning-for-real techniques.
* A number of empty and derelict homes have been cleared to make way for new developments that provide quality and choice in housing types.

The programme is underpinned by a robust evidence base. A comprehensive understanding of the housing market and people's aspirations is crucial to achieving the transformational change that the pathfinders need to deliver. Bridging NewcastleGateshead is analysing a wide range of information to develop that understanding.

This is just the beginning of our work that will create great places to live " places where people will live, learn and invest in.
Bridging NewcastleGateshead
1st Floor Central Exchange Buildings, 128 Grainger Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 5AF

Tel: 0191 277 2666
E-mail: info@bridgingng.org.uk
Website: www.bridgingng.org.uk