Riverside - New homes for Wallsend

Riverside, the social landlord based in the North East, launched its first new development in collaboration with North Tyneside Council on the site of St Luke’s Church, Frank Street, Wallsend.

Developers completed eleven new apartments at the end of last year, let to people nominated by the Council who were on the housing waiting list, to meet local housing needs in the town centre. Riverside ploughed £785,000 into the development with £649,000 provided by the Housing Corporation’s National Affordable Housing Programme. The social landlord also managed the renovation of church amenity buildings for use by community groups within the existing structure of the building.

Steve Ward is Director of Riverside North East. He said: “It’s great to see people settling in to their new homes. Our work with North Tyneside Council is contributing towards the regeneration of Wallsend town centre, and we are set to provide yet more affordable housing in the area.”

Tenant, Inga Jaundziekars moved to a new apartment from Wallsend, just half mile away. She has lived in the area for 61 years - all her married life.

Inga said: “I first saw the flats when they were laying foundations and called Riverside and North Tyneside Council. The location is ideal, as it’s near the shops, metro and handy for buses. I’m so happy with the flat – I never dreamed it would be this good.”

Riverside is investing around £30million over the next four years to provide 500 more homes for the North East region.

Steve Ward added: “We have agreed to work with North Tyneside Council to build more new homes at Northumberland Park and Hadrian Village and we are looking at other opportunities in the area.”