The HBF attended a seminar for an invited audience of key Regional housing stakeholders at the Guildhall in Newcastle in September
The HBF attended a seminar for an invited audience of key Regional housing stakeholders at the Guildhall in Newcastle in September. The seminar topic was housing market renewal in the North East. It was chaired by Dr. Fred Robinson of Durham University and attended by a range of senior figures from the GONE and the Regional Assembly, the Housing Corporation, Registered Social Landlords and others.
There were 3 presentations from David Cumberland of the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURS) on the findings of their study into housing market failure in the Region; Jill Preston of Newcastle City Council on progress at the Newcastle/Gateshead Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder and Phil Barnes of Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners on the challenge of urban renewal. Discussion on the issues raised followed.
It is clear that the North East has a significant problem of falling demand for much of its housing in areas of deprivation. Some 29% of the Regional stock is social housing for rent compared to 20% nationally. Too much of the Regions stock is small, terraced and old. Stock renewal must be pursued as a priority.
As all organisations within the debate seem to be reaching the same conclusions. Urban regeneration is certainly rising up the Governments Agenda. Finding practical means of pursuing this goal is a major challenge. The potential solutions could have a far-reaching impact upon the way in which policies on future housing targets and distribution are formulated. It is crucial that the private house building industry continues to be recognised as an important contributor to this debate.