Award-winning single-family rental developer-operator Placefirst has started development on a 146-home build-to-rent neighbourhood in Newcastle as it continues to grow its North East portfolio and tackle the region’s housing challenges head-on.

Benwell Dene, located around two miles west of Newcastle city centre, will deliver a variety of high quality two, three and four-bedroom homes available for long-term rent. Following the granting of planning permission last year, the project involves the redevelopment of a 2.75ha brownfield site in the city which has been vacant for well over a decade.

The homes will be built to a high specification, with a focus on energy efficiency, ensuring residents’ bills are kept as low as possible. All homes will achieve a minimum of EPC B.

This project is part-funded by the £49m North East Combined Authority Brownfield Housing Fund, part of the national ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government £400m Brownfield Housing Fund.

The 146 homes delivered at Benwell Dene will help to address the chronic lack of quality housing in the North East.

In partnership with JM Architects and Southern Green, the design of the neighbourhood was carefully considered to respond to local distinctiveness and character and include open space alongside safe and attractive walking routes through the development for the benefits of residents and the wider public.

Other key members of the project team include civil and structural engineers, Curtins, project managers and planning consultants Identity Consult, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultants, TACE.

The new neighbourhood at Benwell Dene will add to Placefirst’s portfolio of 1,800 homes across the country and mark a significant step forward in its growth ambitions.

David Mawson, CEO of Placefirst, said: “The plans for our Benwell Dene neighbourhood exemplify how effective local partnerships are the first step in delivering thriving communities. The development is at the cutting edge of integrating sustainable features and community-focused amenities to create an inclusive environment. After working closely with Newcastle City Council to secure prime brownfield land and gain planning consent, today’s milestone will see us deliver 146 new homes that are tailored to the specific needs of the area.”

“At Placefirst, we are aligned with the goals of central government and local authorities in addressing the growing housing demand not only in the North East of England, but across the UK. This development is a crucial step in fostering effective public-private partnerships to meet our shared goals.”

Dame Norma Redfearn DBE, Cabinet member for Housing and Land at the North East Combined Authority and Mayor of North Tyneside Council, said:

“The North East is in desperate need of more family homes of all tenures, and we’re making the most of unused and unloved brownfield land to create beautiful new places to live. The Combined Authority is working hard with our partners to get spades in the ground to deliver good quality housing for local people, and create communities with amenities that people need and which stand the test of time. Benwell Dene is an example of this in action and I’m delighted to see the progress on this vital development. We have ambitions to go further and faster to unlock more vibrant places across the North East for people to live.”

Councillor Paula Maines, Newcastle City Council Cabinet Member for a Living City, said: “The Benwell Dene development will be a fantastic contribution to the local area.  Ensuring our city has good quality housing in thriving communities is a priority for us and we’re proud to be able to support this project that will provide so many new family homes.  Bringing unused land back into use like we are doing at Benwell Dene will not only create a new housing offer in the area through the provision of high quality private rented homes, but also complements the wider regeneration of Scotswood and we’re excited to see this come to life as work progresses.”