Nearly 400 affordable homes to go on brownfield sites in North East after £22m investment revealed

Overall, the £22m will bring forward construction of 1,122 homes as part of schemes worth almost £200m.

Kim McGuinness, mayor of the NECA, confirmed the investment yesterday. She said: “We are providing money to turn derelict and run-down sites in the heart of neighbourhoods, in places like Newbiggin Hall, Kenton, Walker, Blyth, Ashington, Easington Colliery and Gateshead, into great places to live and bring up your family.”

Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said the funding means work can begin on the garage sites later this year.

She said: “Transforming disused garage sites and delivering hundreds of new homes across the city is a clear example of how we’re putting our housing ambitions into action.

“This isn’t just about building new properties – it’s about shaping places where people can put down roots, connect with their neighbours and feel part of something bigger.”

Speaking about plans for the regeneration of Gateshead’s Old Town Hall, Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said it was a “vital landmark, not only for Gateshead but for the whole of the North East”.

He added: “As Tyne and Wear’s only surviving Victorian town hall, it holds a unique place in our collective story.

“By securing its future with a new purpose that honours its past, we are ensuring this much-loved building continues to inspire, connect and serve our communities for generations to come.”

Michael Mordey, the leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Riverside Sunderland is one of the UK’s most ambitious urban regeneration projects which, upon completion, will see over 1,000 new homes rise from the ground in the heart of our city centre.”

He added: “We are absolutely thrilled by today’s news that the mayor shares our vision for the city and has awarded over £5m to ensure work can continue apace to get the site shovel-ready for development. It will be truly transformational for the city.”