
Nick Brown with Housing Minister John Healey in Byker
The Minister for Housing, John Healey MP today joined Newcastle East MP Nick Brown and Byker Councillors Nick Kemp, Geordie Allison and Veronica Dunn along with local residents to announce a proposal for a community housing trust. This will offer local people a leading and decision making role in the regeneration of the famous estate whilst securing millions of pounds of much needed investment in the regeneration of the iconic Byker Wall.
Today’s unprecedented announcement shows the commitment of the Labour Government to securing the future of this unique, iconic and internationally renowned estate. The Government is proposing to wipe off the debt of the Byker Estate Housing Stock to free up funds for renovations.
Nick Brown said: “I welcome today’s announcement by John Healey. It would not have been possible without a Labour Housing Minister directly intervening to set up the Byker taskgroup and recognising the unique features of the Byker Estate.
“This offer recognises the very special circumstances of the Byker development. We can make this a really exciting, fresh start for the Byker estate. The debt write-off is fantastic news underpinning the proposed community housing trust and a multi-million pound budget for investment in the estate.”
“This is a way forward for the community to secure millions of pound of investment to regenerate the estate. It is now crucial that the proposals are explained to the community who must have the final say.”
Housing Minister John Healey MP said: “Nick Brown is a great champion of Byker, but his passion to do something radical for the estate was brought home to me when I became Housing Minister. He has constantly pressed the residents’ case with government, and today’s announcement is the basis for helping them build a new future.”







