Three disused Byker eyesores get face-lift to become new community homes

Three disused Byker buildings have been revamped into affordable homes for those that need them.

The project was headed up by Byker Community Trust who has breathed new life into 71 Dunn Terrace, 66 Northumberland Terrace and the former district heating office on Raby Street.

The three former commercial units stood empty and, as well as being eyesores due to metal shutters, were at risk of being targeted by anti-social behaviour.

The Trust looked into the empty buildings and studied their condition to see how to make best use of them for the local community.

Following similar conversions of Erskine House and some of the hobby rooms on the iconic Byker Wall Estate, the need for housing in the area saw the buildings put to a similar cause.

Michelle Bell, Assistant Director of Byker Community Trust, said: “As part of the consultation on the transfer of engagements from BCT to Karbon, we asked customers what was important to them.

"They told us they wanted new homes to match the changing demographic needs of their community.

“Together, BCT and Karbon created a Community Pledge to deliver what customers told us they wanted.

"Increasing the availability of accessible accommodation positively contributes to the longer-term sustainability of the Estate.

“It’s fantastic to see these units being brought back into use and provide much needed affordable homes that our customers have asked for.

"They offer the opportunity for residents of Byker to remain within their own community, something that was very much part of architect Ralph Erskine’s vision when he built the Byker Estate between 1969 and 1983.”

Now up and running, customers are expected to move into the homes this month.