Cruddas Park Re-development . . .

I was driving past it in the rain today and at the lights (pulled over, engine off etc. if the police are reading this) I grabbed a quick photo to show the before and after...looks really good in my opinion - like the windows which stick out more and more as you go up the floors.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2nasge9.jpg

.

I had heard that they had run out on money for the Cruddas park flats redevelopment!Anyone confirm this?I hope not as its a massive improvement

I was driving past it in the rain today and at the lights (pulled over, engine off etc. if the police are reading this) I grabbed a quick photo to show the before and after...looks really good in my opinion - like the windows which stick out more and more as you go up the floors.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2nasge9.jpg

(ok its not the best shot but you get the idea!!).

Thanks for that mate! It really shows up how bad a state the towers got in when you see them alongside the refurbished one.

I had heard that they had run out on money for the Cruddas park flats redevelopment!Anyone confirm this?I hope not as its a massive improvement

I've heard similar...I think its because the builder has realised that this many new flats (either to rent/sell) are not really sustainable in the "current market"...I would imagine they'd be happier demolishing a couple of the blocks and putting some houses in instead...!

They do look good indeed. I heard that a private developer had been given some council money to refurbish them and so two were done but that the other 6 weren't going to get done at the current time. They do look really good on the website mind.

Anyone got any experience of the current towers or area? Is it pretty rough, cause location wise it's not too bad for town/college/river views etc.

I can see them from my work at Saltwell Park too.

Very bad news regarding the Cruddas Street Flats Project . .

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2009/10/31/builders-pull-out-of-tyneside-redevelopment-scheme-72703-25059291/

Builders pull out of Tyneside redevelopment scheme
Oct 31 2009 by Amy Hunt, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/oct2009/3/6/riverside-dene-development-801309037.jpg

THE future of some of Tyneside's best-known housing blocks hangs in the balance after builders pulled out of a redevelopment scheme. Gentoo and Bellway have backed away from renovating tower blocks at Riverside Dene, formerly known as Cruddas Park, because of the recession. As the first three blocks emerge from behind scaffolding with a new look, the future of the other seven high-rises is in jeopardy.

It is thought at least one of the blocks is likely to be demolished as cash runs dry.

Six months ago the estate was “re-branded” and renamed at a cost of £45,000 as part of the £90m renovation of the scheme. The aim was to transform not only the physical appearance of the area but also the aspirations of people who live there. Work has been going on to revamp three of the 1960s-built blocks inside and out with the aim to provide them to rent through Your Homes Newcastle. But the fourth block earmarked for refurbishment for private sale is standing empty and work cannot now start on it, or any of the other blocks, because the partners have backed out.

Of the 10 blocks at Riverside Dene due for renovation as part of the six-year project which also involves Bridging NewcastleGateshead, Centre West and contractor Wates Living Space, five were to be available for rent and five for sale.

An agreement made between the public and private partners meant Newcastle City Council would kick off the refurbishment, to tidy up the outside of the buildings and modernise the flats inside, with Gentoo and Bellway picking up the bill. But because of the recession and the property market crash, the developer is now not able to raise the cash needed and the council does not want to take the risk of starting the work and finding itself counting the cost.

Councillors gave the go-ahead for emergency talks to try to rescue the project back in July, but deadlines came and went without the partners committing. Council bosses say they are considering all their options in relation to Riverside Dene. Phil Joyce, director of area based regeneration at Newcastle City Council, said: “The first three social blocks, which will be managed by Your Homes Newcastle, are on schedule for completion next year, and many residents have pre-selected their new apartments.

“Our plan was for the next blocks to be redeveloped as private apartments, before the recession hit market confidence and made it impossible for first-time buyers to get mortgages. All the partners have had to rethink the next phase and the Council’s executive has asked for a thorough study of the options for the rest of the blocks.

“We are on schedule to report back on a shortlist of costed options in the next two to three months. In the current economic climate, Gentoo and Bellway are not able to take the significant financial risk involved at this stage, so we are looking at alternative options with a view to renewing a fourth block as early as possible. “Our partners have helped us to bring substantial funding into the city, and were instrumental in developing the new look for the blocks.

“We continue to work with them on designs for the estate, as well as the nearby Loadman Street development, and they may still have a major role to play in the future. “Our key aim is to ensure a sustainable future for Riverside Dene, with good quality shopping facilities and services.”

The private partners said they did not want to comment.

Built in the 1960s, the high rises of Cruddas Park, famously used in the BBC series Our Friends in the North, were part of council leader T Dan Smith’s grand plan for a “city in the sky”.

In July housing minister John Healey announced £1.7m of Government funding for a biomass wood-burning heating system at Riverside Dene, to trim residents’ fuel bills and help tackle climate change and work is going on to choose a contractor for the scheme.

This is obviously disappointing and seems to be down to the lack of confidence the developers have in selling the units at the necessary values to recoup their costs. I hope a way forward can be found - something needs to be done to help transform the area and extend regeneration westwards.

The scheme was ambitious but made sense at a time when there was a rising market and there were a lot of young couples, professional singles etc looking for an apartment close to town but at more affordable prices. The flats in these blocks are generously proportioned and are significantly bigger than you'd get in some of the city centre shoeboxes.

Given rising demand for council housing it is of course possible that these can be re-let, but they could still benefit from a refurb. The city has a reasonable amount of "capacity" for two bed tower block flats (there has been a long term policy that they are not appropriate for families / children) and the greatest demand and shortest supply is for 3 bed family homes - which makes it even more ironic the previous council demolished thousands of them "because no-one wanted them".

Terrible news about the towers. Would hate to see them pulled down.

More money to redevelop Newcastle tower blocks
Feb 16 2010 by Amy Hunt, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/feb2010/9/2/cruddas-park-58010347.jpg

More taxpayers' money has been put forward to shore up the renovation of an iconic estate.

Council bosses hope extra cash will secure the future of half the tower blocks at Riverside Dene, Newcastle, which used to be known as Cruddas Park.

But a question mark still hangs over five of the 10 high-rises which, in the 1960s, were part of T Dan Smith’s vision for a “city in the sky” featured in the TV series Our Friends In The North.

The £90m scheme to refurbish all the tower blocks and bring them up to modern standards was thrown into jeopardy when private firms Bellway and Gentoo pulled out.

The original idea had been for Newcastle City Council, along with Your Homes Newcastle (YHN), to kick-off the scheme to give all 10 blocks a facelift by renovating three for rent through YHN.

A deal with the private firms to do up five of the blocks for sale would then provide extra cash to take forward the refurbishment of the remaining two blocks for rent.

But due to the recession, the private firms did not want to commit to the project, and they backed off, leaving the estate in limbo.

In December, we reported how there was a £4.6m funding gap in relation to the fourth and fifth blocks.

As work on the first three blocks nears completion, the city council’s ruling executive has approved a “financial package” which will allow two more of the high-rises to be developed for rent and sale by YHN and Bridging NewcastleGateshead.

The future of the other five blocks is still being considered by regeneration chiefs, with demolition of one or more one of the options on the table.

But council bosses are keen to keep the project moving to allow people to move back into the vacated blocks.

Phil Joyce, director of area based regeneration at the city council, said: “There’s no mistaking the changes at Riverside Dene and this is another big leap forward.

“The global recession and the recent drop in the housing market meant it was important to review our options going forward, but the partnership has reasserted its commitment to the area and shown resilience in the face of some fresh challenges.” John Lee, chief executive of YHN, said: “YHN are keen to get started as early as possible on the next two blocks and build on the scheme’s momentum, while continuing to develop proposals for later phases of the scheme.

“This will demonstrate our continued commitment to our tenants, and I’m sure this will be an exciting time for all concerned.”

Residents will be invited to view completed apartments in The Sycamores over the first weekend in May, before the first tenants begin to return from May 14.

Work has also started on a £1.7m biomass heating system to help provide heat and hot water to the refurbished blocks.

In April 2009, Cruddas Park was “re-branded” and renamed at a cost of £45,000.

^i went past there a couple of days ago and there seems to be scaffolding going up on the tower block closest to scotswood road.

The cedars is the next block to be upgraded,has been "evacuated" lately.

It's a shame they can't get the money to do all of the blocks up the same. They look quite decent.

I can`t honestly see the point of wasting £45,000 on rebranding Cruddas park as Riverside Dene, it will always be known as Cruddas Park.I`m sure the money could have been reallocted more wisely elsewhere.

Was getting my car serviced along Scotswood Road today, and took these photos of the Cruddas Park flats that are being renovated.

Doesn't seem to have been all that much progress lately, it seems?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/18March2010003.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/18March2010004.jpg

the scaffolding is going up on the block closest to scotswood road so that's a bit of progress.i am interested to see what the layout will be like at the base of the towers - being plonked in acres of open land was a mistake so i wonder how this will be rectified.

:cheers:I think that is an amazing transformation. I thought those buildings were beyond redemption but that is a very stylish renovation. I hope those refreshed blocks can act as regeneration catalyst for the rest of Crudas (River Dean). Topographically on the Tyne Gorge and location next to town are massive plus points; I hope the council can get some more private sector interest to finish the last 5 or 6. Good Job!:cheers::cheers:

:cheers:I think that is an amazing transformation. I thought those buildings were beyond redemption but that is a very stylish renovation. I hope those refreshed blocks can act as regeneration catalyst for the rest of Crudas (River Dean). Topographically on the Tyne Gorge and location next to town are massive plus points; I hope the council can get some more private sector interest to finish the last 5 or 6. Good Job!:cheers::cheers:

I agree, what a contrast between "old and new" (I thought the 'old' appearence was with us forever . . or demolition!).

The refurbished block in this photo from yesterday, looks really quite 'classy' in my opinion!

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/18March2010004.jpg

I've always thought that Cruddas Park is potentially a great place to live, given how close it is to town and the outstanding views from the upper floors.

I find it strange to think that those types of tower block are now 50 years old or more.

I'm impressed with them refurbished blocks, I hope they manage to get all of them done up in the same way.

New Cruddas Park homes are a towering success
May 3 2010 by Liz Walker, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/may2010/9/0/f-125098046.jpg

AN ICONIC feature on the skyline, they have towered over Newcastle’s West End for over 40 years.

But it’s the beginning of a new era for the former Cruddas Park “city in the sky” after the first residents took a long-awaited peek inside their new homes in the rebranded Riverside Dene.

And there was an all-round thumbs up from members of the first tour who were impressed with the multi-million pound transformation of the first of the blocks from crumbling eyesore to a shining example of modern living.

“I’m pretty chuffed,” said Paul Struthers, 37, who will soon be moving in to the new Sycamores flats.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/may2010/9/2/cruddas-243838140.jpg

“The old blocks are like prisons, but this wouldn’t look out of place in somewhere like Jesmond.”


REST OF ARTICLE HERE - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2010/05/03/new-cruddas-park-homes-are-a-towering-success-72703-26367364/

^^^^

The NEW Cruddas Park Flats, as featured in the Journal dated Monday December 2nd 1957.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/30thApril2010045.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/30thApril2010046.jpg

Notice, the flats at Cruddas park are to be the 'same design' as those to be built on Heaton Park Road.

Families return after Cruddas Park revamp
Jun 2 2010 by Katie Davies, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/jun2010/7/0/william-mills-who-is-the-first-person-to-move-into-the-sycamores-riverside-dene-947987904.jpg

THE first resident of a recently renovated city estate moved in yesterday after a multi-million pound redevelopment.

William Mills, formerly of The Poplars, Cruddas Park, moved into his new state-of-the-art apartment on the 13th floor of the Sycamores, Riverside Dene, which was formerly Cruddas Park estate.

And there was an all round thumbs-up from William who was impressed with the £90m transformation from the eyesore it once was.

He was the first person to move into the block, which is the first of five blocks to be refurbished.

William was welcomed into his new home by leader of Newcastle City Council John Shipley and John Lee, chief executive of Your Homes Newcastle.

The flats were ORIGINALLY built as part of Labour’s firebrand T Dan Smith’s 1960s brainchild for a “city in the sky”. But after years of neglect they fell into disrepair becoming the slum housing he intended to banish.


FULL (TWO PAGE) ARTICLE HERE - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2010/06/02/families-return-after-cruddas-park-revamp-72703-26570542/

In terms of the quality of housing you get and the views, these refurbished blocks are cracking value...

How Riverside Dene is currently looking...

http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/xx240/TownPlanningNE/Misc/DSC03938.jpg

http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/xx240/TownPlanningNE/Misc/DSC03959.jpg

Looks like 5 of the 10 (?) Cruddas Park towers will be demolished: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/09/10/former-cruddas-park-towers-to-come-down-72703-27241757/2/

Looks like 5 of the 10 (?) Cruddas Park towers will be demolished: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/09/10/former-cruddas-park-towers-to-come-down-72703-27241757/2/

I've always felt that the demolition of some of the towers was the best course of action purely from a visual point of view. The unredeveloped towers to the west don't have the same ideal layout.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v729/marc_elliott/cruddaspark-1.jpg

The ones to right of the red line are the redeveloped towers if you dont know the site.

Shame, if they had done the entire estate it could have actually been quite nice. While the unrefurbished Cruddas Park towers are really quite bad, the refurbished ones look great. Knocking down the remaining five will upset the balance of the estate (which is roughly symmetrical when viewed from the south, with the one on top of the shopping centre in the middle). It will also be the loss of quite a landmark for the West End.

If they can find the funds for some but not all of them, my suggestion would be to knock down the two towers that are out on their own on the far left of the photo above and sell the land, then use the money from the land sale to refurbish the other three. It would be a real shame to lose the three around the central area of parkland.

I suppose if there's simply no more demand for flats in that area, the towers will have to come down. It's great that they were brave enough to refurbish some of the towers if you think back to how it was beforehand.

In terms of what will replace it, they need to put in some reasonably high density family housing, without much/any ill-defined open space. That's what has caused so many problems up until now with these tower developments.

but we have to remember, if we haven't the cash to refurbish whats already there, then we won't have much of a budget to construct any replacements!

(Almost) The only developments which bevelopers ARE willng to invest in is student accom, and whilst there are a fair number of students in Cruddas, er, Riverside Dene, I'm not persuaded its a convenient location.

If they do demolish them, I think it'll just end up as more park land and be developed in the future i.e 20 years time. Hopefully if they do demolish them it'll be landscaped to blend in with the existing park setting.

A further report on this, in this mornings (Saturday 11th September 2010) JOURNAL . .


Cruddas Park flats to be pulled down for houses
September 11th 2010, by Amy Hunt, The Journal

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/cruddas-park-51443484.jpg

SOME of Tyneside’s most famous blocks will be pulled down after cash ran out for a regeneration project.

The high-rise flats at Cruddas Park have been a part of Newcastle’s skyline since the 1960s, built as part of renegade council leader T Dan Smith’s vision of a “city in the sky” to replace slum terraces.

But now five of the 10 blocks will be demolished to make way for a range of new homes.

Private developers are being invited to come forward with schemes in a bid to regenerate the area, which was renamed Riverside Dene in April 2009 in a “rebranding” exercise costing £45,000.

Council chiefs say all tenants of the blocks will be rehoused.

Newcastle City Council and Your Homes Newcastle had been working on a £90m project to revamp all the blocks but private developers who were helping to finance the work pulled out in October last year, blaming the recession.

Some of the refurbished blocks . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/RiversideDenea.jpg

Council bosses were left with a £4.6m black hole in the project (when the private developer pulled out) and having to commit more taxpayers’ cash to finish makeovers on the first five blocks.

Now they have decided the best option is to get rid of the others in the hope that private sector cash can be secured to regenerate the sites.

Councillors will be asked to rubber-stamp the demolition at a meeting next month, although the blocks are unlikely to start coming down before next year. Before that, people living in the area will be asked for their views on the future of the estate.

Martin Walker, Newcastle City Council’s area director of regeneration for the West End, said: “We’re keen to listen to people’s views.

“We have looked at all the options in the context of the economic downturn and we have come to the conclusion that it will be necessary to recommend the demolition of all five of the un-refurbished blocks.

“We want this scheme to bring about a general uplift in the area and we hope that with the benefit of having clear plans for the area we will start to engage the private sector interest.”

The sites on which the five blocks currently stand will be earmarked for a mixture of new homes, along with a large site off Loadman Street in Elswick.

As part of wider plans for the area the former Mary Trevelyan school site will be sold off as a potential site for a supermarket, while the Cruddas Park Shopping Centre and tower block will be put forward for a revamp.


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/09/11/cruddas-park-flats-to-be-pulled-down-for-houses-61634-27245478/

I have no experience of the flats but from a purely selfish point of view, demolishing five of them will make our already flat skyline even flatter.

This is an unusual one. I think the refurbs have been very good but Gentoo pulling out has left a £5m hole in the budget for this scheme. YHN feel that they have more flats of this kind than they can let - several of the blocks in question are empty or half-empty. However, I can see the argument that there is considerable unmet existing demand in respect of the housing waiting list - though this is far more acute in respect of family housing than flats.

Presumably the demolition would clear a significant site for new affordable "ground level" housing which would have more chance of attracting investment. There is already a lot of work going on at the Loadman Street site for new housing and workspace.

This is an unusual one. I think the refurbs have been very good but Gentoo pulling out has left a £5m hole in the budget for this scheme. YHN feel that they have more flats of this kind than they can let - several of the blocks in question are empty or half-empty. However, I can see the argument that there is considerable unmet existing demand in respect of the housing waiting list - though this is far more acute in respect of family housing than flats.

Presumably the demolition would clear a significant site for new affordable "ground level" housing which would have more chance of attracting investment. There is already a lot of work going on at the Loadman Street site for new housing and workspace.

What I dont understand Greg is why Cruddas Park is being made such a special case here? Is there any reason why the 5 remaining blocks cant just have the standard refurb which was enough for the blocks in the East End (Shieldfield, Byker, Walkerville etc). Why do these need to be re-invented and marketed like this?

Also, as for the 'affordable low-rise' option.. I think you only need to look north to the Jubilee estate and east to the Hawthorn estate to see Elswick doesnt do this well.... both areas are local bywords for low level street-bound criminal activity, drug use and hate crime. The high rises are civilised by comparison.

End of former Cruddas Park towers nears
October 22nd 2010, by Amy Hunt, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/oct2010/5/9/rejen-rebwas-leaves-one-of-the-flats-at-cruddas-park-which-may-now-be-demolished-210115333.jpg

DEMOLITION of some of Tyneside’s most famous flats looks set to be confirmed next week.

Five of the 10 high-rise blocks on the estate formerly known as Cruddas Park in Elswick, Newcastle, have been selected to be razed to make way for new homes.

The 1960s flats had been due for renovation as part of a £90m project to regenerate the area, which was renamed Riverside Dene last year as part of plans to change perceptions of the estate.

But when private developers pulled out of the scheme council bosses were left with no cash to finish it off.

Now officers have decided the best option is to get rid of the five blocks of flats which have not had a makeover in the hope that private sector cash can be secured to regenerate the vacant sites, building new homes.

Members of Newcastle City Council’s decision-making executive will be recommended to approve the demolition of The Poplars, The Willows, The Beeches, Haughton Court and King’s Meadows at a meeting next week. They will consider a report which says refurbishing the remaining blocks is “too expensive” and demand for flats in that part of the city is not there. Demolition, it says, will cost £2.98m.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/10/22/end-of-former-cruddas-park-towers-nears-72703-27525247/#ixzz135tAdX9O

Hello all, first post :)

End of former Cruddas Park towers nears
October 22nd 2010, by Amy Hunt, Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/oct2010/5/9/rejen-rebwas-leaves-one-of-the-flats-at-cruddas-park-which-may-now-be-demolished-210115333.jpg

DEMOLITION of some of Tyneside’s most famous flats looks set to be confirmed next week.

Five of the 10 high-rise blocks on the estate formerly known as Cruddas Park in Elswick, Newcastle, have been selected to be razed to make way for new homes.

The 1960s flats had been due for renovation as part of a £90m project to regenerate the area, which was renamed Riverside Dene last year as part of plans to change perceptions of the estate.

But when private developers pulled out of the scheme council bosses were left with no cash to finish it off.

Now officers have decided the best option is to get rid of the five blocks of flats which have not had a makeover in the hope that private sector cash can be secured to regenerate the vacant sites, building new homes.

Members of Newcastle City Council’s decision-making executive will be recommended to approve the demolition of The Poplars, The Willows, The Beeches, Haughton Court and King’s Meadows at a meeting next week. They will consider a report which says refurbishing the remaining blocks is “too expensive” and demand for flats in that part of the city is not there. Demolition, it says, will cost £2.98m.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/10/22/end-of-former-cruddas-park-towers-nears-72703-27525247/#ixzz135tAdX9O

Am I the only one who thinks this is a shame?

I know cruddas isn't the nicest area, and TBH I probably wouldn't want to live there myself, but in a purely selfish way, I am sad to see this news. Cruddas is a landmark estate and can be seen from miles around. It has a very "dramatic" appearance, and when you come up the A1 western bypass at team valley, you know you're coming up to newcastle when you see those blocks.

Pulling down half of these blocks will seriously impact the drama of the estate.

Why on earth couldn't they have just given all of the flats a standard refurb like they've done elsewhere in the city, why did they feel the need to try and "re-invent" the area? Its now a joke, because they've ran out of money so now you have these nice flats they've just redeveloped, and yet the rest of the estate is just a dump. Absolutely pointless and tragic. And I don't buy that there aint a demand for flats in newcastle either - what about all these people who live there now? And I'd bet some of those don't want to move.

They'd have done the estate much more justice if they'd spent the money on the entire estate rather than just half of it.

The only saving grace is that there will still be some towers left, but its just such a shame. Even more of a shame that they couldn't all have been done like that, but I guess money has just run out.

Interesting how they are keeping the main tower at Cruddas Park though. Why are they keeping that one, but not the others? That one is just as much, if not more of a dump than the others!?

It's a shame that the councils around here seem intent on getting rid of the tower blocks around tyneside, because they give it quite a skyline IMO. Once these go, the rocket goes and chandless estate in gateshead goes, that will be 10 tower blocks demolished in a short period of time.

I don't know about anyone else, but I like seeing cities with tower blocks. It makes them interesting and gives it a very urban feel. I hate towns and cities that are just flat and featureless. Just boring. Newcastle in fairness can just about get away with it because it is so hilly, but really, I think these towers deserve their place in history just as much as any old buildings.

Riverside Dene (Cruddas Park) Latest Plans
October 27th 2010, by Amy Hunt, The Journal


Newcastle City Council is on the verge of signing a deal with a private developer to build 1,800 homes as part of a regeneration scheme in Scotswood, where hundreds of properties have been demolished.

Also, the council plans to turn into a building society to provide loans for up to 95% of the price of a property, and intends to pilot the scheme at Riverside Dene – the estate previously known as Cruddas Park – where flats in one of five refurbished blocks are due to go up for sale.

Councillors will be asked to approve the scheme at a meeting this week.

Five of the 10 tower blocks at Riverside Dene look set to be demolished because cash for a regeneration scheme has run out.

Four of the high-rises have already been revamped in a multi-million pound scheme and are available for rent through Your Homes Newcastle. A fifth, which is currently undergoing a makeover to be finished next year, will have 80 flats put up for private sale.

Councillors are also due to be asked to approve plans to demolish the five non-refurbished tower blocks at Riverside Dene as there is no money left to do the work.

Private developers who were working on the scheme pulled out last year, leaving the council with a funding gap. It is hoped a mixture of new family houses can be built on the vacant sites once the blocks are razed.

In Scotswood the council will link up with construction consortium Barratt Keepmoat Yuill to create a company to build homes, retail and community facilities and enhanced leisure and park space over the next 15 years.

Although it will still be another year before bricks are laid, work has already begun to prepare the sites for houses.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/10/27/newcastle-city-council-offer-help-to-first-time-buyers-61634-27548443/2/#ixzz13Yb776k7

Thought I'd flag up for information a fairly 'robust' discussion on the Cruddas Park refurbishment on another forum:

http://www.housepricecrash.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=154182

Riverside Dene housing development wins regional award
by Andrew Glover, Evening Chronicle, April 26th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/oct2009/3/6/riverside-dene-development-801309037.jpg

HIGH rise living is the tops - this tower block's just won a major award.

Decaying towers at Riverside Dene, formerly known as Cruddas Park, in Newcastle’s West End, have been revamped in a multi-million pound facelift.

Four of the towers, built in the 1960s, have been refurbished and are now home to Your Homes Newcastle tenants. The blocks were built as part of council leader T Dan Smith’s vision for a “city in the sky”.

Cruddas Park suffered from anti-social behaviour and some homes fell into disrepair, but the area overlooking the River Tyne is now being transformed with a fifth tower block now being marketed for sale.

Newcastle City Council are arranging access to mortgages for up to 95% of the value of the apartments in a bid to help first time buyers get on the property ladder.

The YHN apartments have been named the Best Affordable Housing Development in the North by the Local Authority Building Control organisation.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/04/26/riverside-dene-housing-development-wins-regional-award-72703-28584798/#ixzz1Kdtd7Kte

I went to see the 2 bedroom showhome flat in The Pines, Riverside Dene, today.

Here are some external shots of Riverside Dene and a couple of internal shots of The Pines, showing the view and effect of the floor to ceiling windows that have replaced the balconies of the old towerblocks.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark027.jpg
^This is a view of one of the towers set back from Scotswood Rd and nearer to Cruddas Park Shopping Centre.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark026.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark026.jpg
^The Pines, above the main doors

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark025.jpg
^The Pines

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark024.jpg
^The Pines

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark023.jpg
^The Pines, with a great perspective on the graduated windows, spilling out in wedges.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark021.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark021.jpg
^View from The Pines living room, looking over Scotswood Road

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark013.jpg
^Kitchen in The Pines 2 bed showhome

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark010.jpg
^View from The Pines looking over old Cruddas Park flats, now due for demolision instead of refurbishment, due to recession and financial constraints.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark003-1.jpg
^The Cedars, still under construction. This is the block designated by the Council to be 100% owner occupied. NCC are providing mortgages with strict stipulations - ie no buy to let.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark005-1.jpg
^The Cedars

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark006-1.jpg
^View of one of the new blocks with two of the old Cruddas Park towers behind it. These are now due for demolition.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark022.jpg
^Not a great shot, but a view of one of the old blocks.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark018.jpg
^'At last, a place of your own'. Glossy publicity for The Cedars, Riverside Dene.

What a shame they couldn't have seen this project through, the new towers do look very nice, and now they're knocking the rest down, the estate could have been quite impressive... but as it is, what we're left with, is less tall buildings in newcastle, and half an estate which looks good, and the rest still looking like a run down sink estate. I'm still not sure what on earth they thought they were doing!?

Looks very much like "Riverside Dene" is just going to be another giant area of derelict land outside the city. Lets hope they build some decent quality housing to replace the towers, or at very least, landscape the area to fit in with the rest of the park.

And after all that, they really could do with revamping the shopping centre and Cruddas Park House...

To continue:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark021.jpg
^Exterior of The Pines, with graduated windows.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark015.jpg
^Living room area in showhome of The Pines, looking out over Scotswood Road and the river Tyne.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark007.jpg
^Looking up The Pines, from the entrance

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark010.jpg
^View from The Pines, towards old Cruddas Park towerblock - planned for redevelopment, but due to budget constraints the remaining towers will be demolished.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark006-1.jpg
^View of Cruddas Park/Riverside Dene

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark025.jpg
^Detail of The Pines. The central feature is illuminated at night. I would like to see how the new towers look at night, and will try to go back to take some more shots.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark005-1.jpg
^The Cedars. This block is designated to be entirely owner occupied. There will be strictly no 'buy to let' and Newcastle City Council is offering up to 95% mortgates.
There is a mixture of duplex apartments, two bedroom apartments and one bedroom apartments. The two bedroom apartments cost roughly £70,000. They are more expensive the higher up the block you go (presumably for the view!) Interestingly, The Cedars - as the only block for sale and not offered to Council tenants - will have the best views as it is the 'end' block with an unobstructed aspect towards the Quayside/Gateshead.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/luckyeight/Riverside%20Dene%20Cruddas%20Park/CedarsCruddasPark003-1.jpg
^The Cedars, still under construction.

What a shame they couldn't have seen this project through, the new towers do look very nice, and now they're knocking the rest down, the estate could have been quite impressive... but as it is, what we're left with, is less tall buildings in newcastle, and half an estate which looks good, and the rest still looking like a run down sink estate. I'm still not sure what on earth they thought they were doing!?

Looks very much like "Riverside Dene" is just going to be another giant area of derelict land outside the city. Lets hope they build some decent quality housing to replace the towers, or at very least, landscape the area to fit in with the rest of the park.

And after all that, they really could do with revamping the shopping centre and Cruddas Park House...

I agree that it is a shame that the rest of the blocks can't also be refurbed. Affordable housing is still much needed, and I what I love about this redevelopment is that the costs have been kept down by extensively refurbishing existing housing stock, instead of knocking it all down and starting from scratch.

It's a very odd area in terms of 'lanscaping' because due to the awful redesign of Scotswood Road, this residential clutch of blocks is right on top of a huge main road, which is profoundly pedestrian unfriendly, and adjacent to 'out of town' car dealerships or plumbers merchants.

Really yet another example of woefully piecemeal 'planning'.

What concerns me most is the proposed redevelopment of Cruddas Park Shopping Centre. There is no schedule for this. I can't help but feel if funding has run out for all the old blocks to be refurbed, it's not looking like they will redevelop the shopping centre anytime soon. And yet I feel this will be crucial to the 'success' of Riverside Dene. I think we all know what will happen... Three little words - 'Every Little Helps'. It's almost a dead cert that Tescos will sweep in and propose cash for redevelopment.

Council redevelopment strategies have virtually been entirely privatised now, and I think councils know that they can budget badly and rely on Tesco to step in.

A 60s block of flats is still a 60s block of flats no matter how much tarting up they do.The building quality of the Cruddas park blocks was notoriously low.

Also they have not solved the problem of why people do not like living in tower blocks either.

The basic layout of the flats is the same, although in the twobed that I viewed inside, the interior wall between the living room and kitchen has been removed. The flats now have central heating. And of course the balconies have been converted into wall to ceiling windows.

The remodelling has been done with an eye to keeping costs down, so the carpets, kitchens etc aren't fantastic quality and a general issue will be decorative maintenance (in the communal areas)- I mean a lick of paint will look great at first, but how often will it be repainted? Similarly, how well the exterior ages will be important.

The lifts have been 'refurbished' - so not replaced - and are still very small and presumably as prone to breaking down as they always were!:ohno:

So does this mean the tower blocks are still '60s tower blocks? I don't know.

Of course, there are many successful tower blocks in which people really do like living - the one that immediately springs to mind is Trellick Towers.

I think AngeroftheNorth is right to point out issues such as the surrounding area and local amenities. Of course, this 'problem' with Cruddas Park really hasn't been addressed at all. The area is still fairly awful in terms of a 'community' place to live. And proposing to redevelop the Shopping Centre is certainly not the same as doing it.

The West End of Newcastle has been torn apart by planning policy, and so much of Elswick and Benwell and Scotswood is deprived and the heart of the the place has been ripped out. I still can't get over the demolition of the Benwell Terraces - lovely housing, knocked down as far as I can make out as a sort of 'social cleansing' exercise.

The basic layout of the flats is the same, although in the twobed that I viewed inside, the interior wall between the living room and kitchen has been removed. The flats now have central heating. And of course the balconies have been converted into wall to ceiling windows.

The remodelling has been done with an eye to keeping costs down, so the carpets, kitchens etc aren't fantastic quality and a general issue will be decorative maintenance (in the communal areas)- I mean a lick of paint will look great at first, but how often will it be repainted? Similarly, how well the exterior ages will be important.

The lifts have been 'refurbished' - so not replaced - and are still very small and presumably as prone to breaking down as they always were!:ohno:

So does this mean the tower blocks are still '60s tower blocks? I don't know.

Of course, there are many successful tower blocks in which people really do like living - the one that immediately springs to mind is Trellick Towers.

I think AngeroftheNorth is right to point out issues such as the surrounding area and local amenities. Of course, this 'problem' with Cruddas Park really hasn't been addressed at all. The area is still fairly awful in terms of a 'community' place to live. And proposing to redevelop the Shopping Centre is certainly not the same as doing it.

The West End of Newcastle has been torn apart by planning policy, and so much of Elswick and Benwell and Scotswood is deprived and the heart of the the place has been ripped out. I still can't get over the demolition of the Benwell Terraces - lovely housing, knocked down as far as I can make out as a sort of 'social cleansing' exercise.

Very good points, well made.

In a nutshell encapsulating the real problems that often beset the "60s high-rise".

.
Evening Chronicle, Tuesday 5th July 2011 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CruddasPark-5thJune2011_0001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CruddasPark-5thJune2011_0002.jpg
.

Have they sold many of these flats?

Well . . . not many, as the below reveals!

The below article and advertisement are from the 'July to September' issue of Newcastle City Council's CITYLIFE free magazine . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CruddasParkRiversideDene-SALES_0001.jpg


This is page 14, as mentioned above . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CruddasParkRiversideDene-SALES_0002.jpg

.

Driving along Scotswood Road going away (West) from town there are a number of apartments with 'SOLD' signs up. These ones looking east having river/city views. Not sure how many are sold at the back looking up Park Road but it is early days.

Driving along Scotswood Road going away (West) from town there are a number of apartments with 'SOLD' signs up. These ones looking east having river/city views. Not sure how many are sold at the back looking up Park Road but it is early days.

The developers of The Bar tried that ruse. Didn't work then, either.

Yes, it is clearly admitted in THIS months Citylife Magazine (as shown in 'Post 316' of yesterday) that only one flat has been sold . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CruddasParkRiversideDene-SALES_0001.jpg

Yes, it is clearly admitted in THIS months Citylife Magazine (as shown in 'Post 316' of yesterday) that only one flat has been sold . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CruddasParkRiversideDene-SALES_0001.jpg

Could be right. I got off the bus to have a look, how sad is that! . 'Sold' signs - North - 0, West - 2, South - 1, East - 16 so 19 in total so far. The blocks are now branded 'Pines' instead of The Pines and the 'for sale' block is 'Cedars'.

Well . . . not many, as the below reveals!

The below article and advertisement are from the 'July to September' issue of Newcastle City Council's CITYLIFE free magazine . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CruddasParkRiversideDene-SALES_0001.jpg


This is page 14, as mentioned above . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/CruddasParkRiversideDene-SALES_0002.jpg

.

This piece of news from the Newcastle City Council web site @ http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/news-story/scotswood-skyline-set-change

Published date: Fri, 04/11/2011 - 11:27

Newcastle City Council and Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) have confirmed the next steps for the transformation of Riverside Dene in the West of the city, with work starting next week on the demolition of the five vacant tower blocks at Riverside Dene.

The Beeches, The Poplars, The Willows, King’s Meadows, and Haughton Court have been a permanent part of the city skyline since they were developed almost fifty years ago.

These blocks will be carefully stripped out and then dismantled by Technical Demolition Services, who will take approximately nine months to complete the work. 24 hour security, which will monitor the site whilst the work is ongoing, is already in place.

YHN, which is managing the demolition contract on behalf of the City Council, is now working with local residents and business to minimise the disruption. John Lee, chief executive at YHN, said: “Dismantling the blocks is a major job so we’re currently communicating with tenants and local people about the plans and answering all their queries. We will limit the disruption that the demolition will cause and do everything we can to support tenants and local businesses during the work.

He added “The significant improvements that we made to four of the ten tower blocks have proved extremely popular among tenants. We are keen to maintain this momentum and are working on outline proposals for a mixed use development scheme that will include the cleared sites.”

The city council last year took the bold decision to redevelop The Cedars, one of the tower blocks, for private sale. These have also proved popular with local people, and just four of the 80 one and two bedroom apartments are still available.

David Slater, Executive Director, Environment and Regeneration, Newcastle City Council, said “Clearing the empty blocks is the next step in attracting new investment to the area. It’s important that we do this now so we can continue with our work to make Riverside Dene an attractive place to live and work.

“Attracting businesses to move into the area is an important part of the vision for the area as it will create job opportunities for local people. We want to fully involve them in discussions around these proposals when they are ready to bring forward, but our aim is to give local people better prospects and improve their quality of life.”

There are five blocks coming down starting this coming week I believe.

From the North i.e near Westmorland Road

Haughton Court Kings Meadows

The Beeches The Poplars

At the South end near Scotwood Road

The Willows

Cruddas Park House is the main 20 storey block on Elswick Road above
the shopping centre (not being demolished)

The other five refurbished blocks which are now Riverside Dene are clustered around Park Road

The Hawthorns The Larches

The Sycamores

The Pines The Cedars

I know a map would look better but couldn't find one!

I have some photos of the blocks already but will get some more this coming week.

There are five blocks coming down starting this coming week I believe.

From the North i.e near Elswick Road

Haughton Court Kings Meadows

The Beeches The Poplars

At the South end near Scotwood Road

The Willows

Cruddas Park House is the main 20 storey block on Elswick Road above
the shopping centre (not being demolished)

The other five refurbished blocks which are now Riverside Dene are clustered around Park Road

The Hawthorns The Larches

The Sycamores

The Pines The Cedars

I know a map would look better but couldn't find one!

I have some photos of the blocks already but will get some more this coming week.


Thanks for the names and notification of demolition Adrian

Knew that demolition was due as I had some technical discussion in my former capacity at Gateshead Council with somone in YourHomes Newcastle in April 2011 on the matter

KEN

Took pictures of the five blocks coming down starting from the southern end near Scotswood Road.
No actual demolition yet, just some gas works

The Willows

Southern aspect..

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6643/roundthetoontuesday8thn.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/442/roundthetoontuesday8thn.jpg/)

Northern side

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6643/roundthetoontuesday8thn.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/31/roundthetoontuesday8thn.jpg/)

The Cruddas Park blocks are named after species of trees and I'd always supposed the original colour scheme to be an attempt to create an autumnal woodland theme. Although I approve of the redevelopment of the buildings, the new designs come across as characterless and overly conspicuous. I'm sure they could have improved things by having different designs for each building rather than repeating the same one.

Just read that Cruddas Park is named after George Cruddas who was a director of the Armstrong Works and that his former home, Dene House, was demolished to make way for one of the blocks of flats.

Just read that Cruddas Park is named after George Cruddas who was a director of the Armstrong Works and that his former home, Dene House, was demolished to make way for one of the blocks of flats.

This from www.gracesguides.co.uk

George Cruddas

1851 Living at Northumberland Place, Tynemouth (age 60 born Monington, Durham), Engine Builder. With wife Margaret (age 61) and children Jane Maria (age 21), Sophia Sq(?) (age 13) and Charles John (age 15), Engine Builder. [1]

1870 Marriage of his son Charles John Cruddas. George of Elswick Dene. [2] Charles John is listed in 1871 as a Landowner.

1871 Living at Dean House, Elswick (age 82 born Rushyford, Durham), Engine Manufacturer. With wife Margaret (age 81 born Hexham). Two servants. Note: In the next abode is William D. Cruddas [3]


1877 November 12th. Death of Margaret wife of the late George at 123 Stanhope street, the home of her son-in-law S. Glover. [4]

1879 Referred to as the late George Cruddas of Elswick Dene House. [5]

I will be posting some further photographs of the five doomed Cruddas Park blocks.

.

Newcastle College students in revamp plan
by Ruth Lawson, Evening Chronicle, November 28th 2011


STUDENTS at Newcastle College will be putting their entrepreneurial skills to good use to help regenerate a deprived area of the City.

A project has been launched at Newcastle College offering students the chance to put forward proposals for community-led businesses that could be set up in the Riverside Dene area of the West End.

The enterprise challenge will see students work with the local community to develop innovative and sustainable creative start-ups with an aim of helping make Riverside Dene a place where young people would want to live, work and socialise.

“As a college we have recognised students are leaving college with the sense that there aren’t jobs available in the current economic climate. So we thought rather than just taking a job, why not create a job instead and the enterprise challenge is a key element of that,” said Mr Ghurbhurun, adding "We thought it would be a great opportunity for our students to design and come up with business ideas that the community at Riverside Dene want.”


Read More (Two Pages) - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/11/28/newcastle-college-students-in-revamp-plan-72703-29855776/#ixzz1f0LS4WV4

A windy day in Cruddas Park... but when wasn't it windy round these blocks?

Fences have now been erected round the three Eastern blocks with The Willows at the bottom next to Scotswood Road.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1949/roundthetoon7thdec20110.jpg

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1949/roundthetoon7thdec20110.jpg

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/1949/roundthetoon7thdec20110.jpg

Going...going.....

Had a nosey around one of the flats in one of the renovated Cruddas Park blocks last week. Very nice indeed.

Pictures taken by myself 12/01/12 approx 1200 (hosted on Photobucket) of the tower blocks as refurbished & soon to be demolished ( with other blocks in the background), taken from the roof area above floor 29 of the soon to be demolished Derwent Tower (aka The Dunston Rocket - see elsewhere on this forum)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_7913.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_7959.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8006adjust.jpg

and also showing the recently refurbished blocks

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8007adjust.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_7958.jpg




Unfortunately never going to be any equivalent photograph showing north side of river once the 5 blocks are demolished and it is a bit late for a campaign to keep The Rocket as a great vantage point for photographs

KEN

Great pictures Mr O'Heed!!

You are right. The 'Rocket' would make a great viewing/photography platform.

Could have been turned into a new NewcastleGateshead art work?

Perhaps 'The Dunston Fish Eye' doesn't have the same ring. :ohno:

The first three of those images clearly show the spire of St Stephens church in Clumber Street. Its an interesting building as the spire is all that remains of the stone Church, the parish being served by the nearby brick-built hall which stands apart (and also visible in those images to the right of the spire).


Follow up to your message, was out and about 19/01/12 north side of river and took the following pictures (hosted on Photobucket) close up of St Stephens spire on Clumber St/Brunel Street Newcastle upon Tyne

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8371.jpg


http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8372.jpg


http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8373.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8375.jpg

One with Derwent Tower (aka The Dunston Rocket) - soon to be demolished in the background, south side of River Tyne

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8378.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8384.jpg

A friend who was brought up in the area states the remainder of the church was demolished following attack of wet rot, dry rot etc.

Once the adjacent multi storey blocks have been demolished by Technical Demolition Services (from The Wirrel area) a wonderful structure will become an even more imposing landmark

KEN

Follow up to your message, was out and about 19/01/12 north side of river and took the following pictures (hosted on Photobucket) close up of St Stephens spire on Clumber St/Brunel Street Newcastle upon Tyne

Snipped...

KEN

Goods set of shots Ken.

This is the Grade Listing Text courtesy of The British Listed Buildings web site @ http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-304439-church-of-st-stephen-newcastle-upon-tyne

Church of St Stephen, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Description: Church of St Stephen

Grade: II
Date Listed: 14 June 1954
English Heritage Building ID: 304439

OS Grid Reference: NZ2318063227
OS Grid Coordinates: 423180, 563227
Latitude/Longitude: 54.9631, -1.6395

Location: Clumber Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 7NL

Locality: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Local Authority: Newcastle upon Tyne
County: Tyne And Wear
Country: England
Postcode: NE4 7NL

NZ 26 SW NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE BRUNEL TERRACE (east side)

11/134 Church of St. Stephen
14.6.54

G.V. II
Parish church, declared redundant lst January 1984. 1868 by Johnson.

Snecked sandstone with ashlar dressings; Welsh slate roof with stone gable copings.

Aisled nave with north-west tower and low west porch; north transept; chancel with north aisle.

Decorated style. 3-stage tower over aisle has triple belfry openings, corbel table, and battlements with corner flying buttresses to tall octagonal stone spire with lucarnes. West porch has shafts and label strings to square-headed central window and flanking doors; high aisle windows, boarded up in north and west and with bar tracery on south; larger east window also boarded up. Steeply-pitched roofs to nave and aisles.
Interior: stripped except for alabaster memorials in memory of members of
the Cruddas family and mosaic after Holman Hunt "Light of the World" in memory of Rev. Joseph Duncan, vicar 1901-11. Glass removed.


Listing NGR: NZ2318063227

This from Wikipedia @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Stephen%27s_Church,_Low_Elswick

The foundation stone of the church was laid by Sir William Armstrong on 19 November 1866. Building was completed in 1868 and it was dedicated by Charles Baring, Bishop of Durham, during that year.

It was declared redundant on 1 January 1984 and was vested in the Trust on 18 March 1987.

Only the base of the tower is available for public access.[2]

Does anyone know if, how and when the spire is open to the public?

This is a photograph from the Newcastle City Libraries Archive Collection of the interior of the Church, circa 1912 @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/4076489852/

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3484/4076489852_118c4cbd4d_o.jpg

The following Text from Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) website http://www.yhn.org.uk/contact_us/community_housing_offices/the_cruddas_park_area.aspx

"YHN properties in the Cruddas Park area are managed by the team at the Cruddas Park Community Housing Office in the shopping centre at Cruddas Park on Westmorland Road.

All properties within the area are popular with good demand and little turnover.

Nearly all of the flats and houses in the area now benefit from internal and external improvements carried out as part of the Modern Homes Programme and the Riverside Dene Regeneration Scheme.

Cruddas Park House: A 20 storey block above the shopping centre has been completely refurbished internally including lifts, lighting and floor coverings. These flats offer great views of the city and the Tyne Valley and are let to people over 45 years old. There is Tenants’ Group which meets with YHN every 2 months. Benefits from 24 hr Concierge Service based in the block."



Some pictures taken by me of the block 19/01/12 approx 1215 ( hosted on Photobucket)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8362.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8366.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8377.jpg




Once the 5 adjacent blocks are demolished this structure will become a more prominent feature on the skyline


http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8385cut.jpg

Wonder if the outside of the block is to be refurbished to match the other blocks recently worked upon - possibly not due to lack of funding.

Would look lot better if carried out

This picture by me taken from top of soon to be demolished 29 storey Derwent Tower ( aka Dunston Rocket) on 12/01/12

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_8007adjust-1.jpg

KEN

The Beeches
Some tangible activity with a platform and outside lift access in place.

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/6469/wednesdaywander14thfeb2.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6469/wednesdaywander14thfeb2.jpg

Some photographs ( hosted on Photobucket) taken by myself 05/03/12 approx 1330 showing state of progress of demolition works at that time.

Working on all 5 blocks to be demolished

Looks as if all panels below windows etc are being removed - probably due to being asbestos material or having asbestos panel behind facing, along with internal removal of doors , timber linings etc ( soft stripping)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0283.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0284.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0285.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0287.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0288.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0289.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0291.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0292.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0293.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/IMG_0295.jpg


KEN

Below is scanned copy of Article from page 18 of Newcastle Evening Chronicle dated 17/03/12

It relates to "Glasgow Nibbler" crane arrival to work on 2 blocks (The Beeches & The Poplars) at this site

Work with the machine is to start Monday 19 March at Noon

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/scan0020.jpg


Adrian get your camera out !

KEN

^^^^

Will do!

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/1319/roundthetoontuesday8thnq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/17/roundthetoontuesday8thnq.jpg/)

Think the 'Glasgow Nibbler' should be renamed the 'Jimmy Forsyth Nibbler' as he was convinced the whole estate should be knocked down! :cheers:

The demolition has stated with the Nibbler doing it's stuff.

Fair few number of people to witness the first block to come down - The Poplars. :bash:

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8486/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/217/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg/)

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/8486/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg/)

The Willows looking forlorn waiting its turn to be brought down to earth.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8486/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/406/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg/)

The demolition has stated with the Nibbler doing it's stuff.

Fair few number of people to witness the first block to come down - The Poplars. :bash:

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/8486/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/217/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg/)

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/8486/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/594/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg/)

The Willows looking forlorn waiting its turn to be brought down to earth.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/8486/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/406/cruddasparkdemolition19.jpg/)


Nice one - now follow it all the way down!

KEN

Some pictures taken by myself 22/03/12 in period approx 1530 until 1620 (hosted on Photobucket) showing ongoing work

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1083.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1087.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1091.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1096.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1100.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1110.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1116.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1126.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1136.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1151.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1154.jpg

All material being "pulled" to west of the block

Reported that this large machine is to work on the "Upper half" of the block then be moved onto 2nd block and allow a smaller machine to complete the work


And this photograph from approx 1245 on 20/03/12 from Gateshead side River Tyne next to the Staiths

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_0950.jpg

This is a decent vantage point for all the 5 blocks and I will photograph from here during course of work so as to give "a different view"

KEN

More demolition ...Pictured 22nd March 2012.

The first three to come down as signpost says...

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/8020/wednesdaywander21stmarc.jpg

The reach of the nibbler is amazing

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8020/wednesdaywander21stmarc.jpg

The 'Rocket' is in the background...a race to the bottom!

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8020/wednesdaywander21stmarc.jpg

ADRIAN

Got one like that but did not post it above

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1134.jpg


Think the winner will be north of the river

Going to leave it up to you ( or anyone else) to cover this contract - I will infill with a few pictures from south of river

KEN

^^^

Get in there sausage!!!

What a shame those who lived in the original houses on Park Road etc did not live to see this.

Further to Ken's photos . .

£30m Cruddas Park regeneration plans under way
by Rachel Wearmouth, Evening Chronicle, March 23rd 2012

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/mar2012/0/6/a-crane-tearing-into-the-tower-block-at-cruddas-park-564818670.jpg
A crane tearing into the tower block at Cruddas Park

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/mar2012/0/6/construction-of-the-cruddas-park-flats-in-july-1960-280965900.jpg
Construction of the Cruddas Park fats, in July 960

A PART of Newcastle’s West End is in line for £30m of jobs and regeneration as a bright new era is ushered in. A green technology park, community sport facilities, enterprise centre, housing and office space are all planned for the Riverside Dene area of Elswick. Formerly known as Cruddas Park, work has begun on demolishing five empty tower blocks ... The Beeches, The Poplars, The Willows, King’s Meadows, and Haughton Court.

The proposals by Your Homes Newcastle and Newcastle City Council could create hundreds of jobs, but developers are needed to pump private cash into the scheme. The authority’s cabinet will approve an initial £100,000 to pay staff attempting to turn the project into a reality.

Proposals include the eco-park with factory or office space and smaller units which would accommodate other businesses. The area’s existing shopping centre would be transformed into an enterprise centre offering training and business opportunities. Around 40 new homes could also be incorporated into the grand design.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/03/23/30m-cruddas-park-regeneration-plans-under-way-72703-30608692/#ixzz1pwaxjqmk

Came across this You Tube video from first day demolition, in Timelapse of "The Beeches"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RR_KjOdK9w


-RR_KjOdK9w

Adrian who used to live in the flats states in his posts that it is The Poplars

Have got the "set up" of video correct ( but note this does not 12 digits as in NH post #526 of 12/03/12)

KEN

Brilliant.

So how does that 'Nibbler' work? Does it has a camera at the sharp end, so the operators can see what they nibbling at?

Brilliant.

So how does that 'Nibbler' work? Does it has a camera at the sharp end, so the operators can see what they nibbling at?

Hydraulics - to put it nicely

See this video which gives some "camera views" at the cutting end ( this transmitting live into the cab during the work)

10JmGXyKm3Y


I Remember, shown on I think a Channel 4 or 5 programme about work at the London Olympics site, the Trinity Square Car Park demolition by means of this system ( as example of work carried out in this manner at earlier point of time at east London) - perhaps available on YouTube

KEN

Hydraulics - to put it nicely

See this video which gives some "camera views" at the cutting end ( this transmitting live into the cab during the work)

10JmGXyKm3Y


I Remember, shown on I think a Channel 4 or 5 programme about work at the London Olympics site, the Trinity Square Car Park demolition by means of this system ( as example of work carried out in this manner at earlier point of time at east London) - perhaps available on YouTube

KEN

Another video , with audio explaining how this type of machine works

AwPpjk1Dg4Q


KEN

Taken today of the demolition of the Cruddas Park/Scotswood Road High rise flats. Sorry about the Blackberry camera. More impressive view over the river from Gateshead.

http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa449/newcastlepubs/IMG-20120328-00233.jpg

NH not sure if this sits best here, or in view of the scale of the project if this merits a separate thread.

NH not sure if this sits best here, or in view of the scale of the project if this merits a separate thread.


Been wondering that myself . . .

I'll get back to you!

Some pictures taken by myself 29/03/12 in period approx 0945 until 1000 when south of river and approx 1130 when close up, (hosted on Photobucket) showing ongoing work

From south of river

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1270.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1275.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1277.jpg

Close Up - note dust supression by water spray

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1299.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1301.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1305.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1308.jpg


KEN

NH not sure if this sits best here, or in view of the scale of the project if this merits a separate thread.


As this is a significant project, it seems sensible that it should have its own Project Thread.

Please post all information relating to Cruddas Park/Riverside Dene (refurbishment and/or demolition) on this thread from now on, rather than on the 'West End - Developments' thread.

I do think it deserves its own thread so thank you NH for doing that.

I wonder if there is anyone out there in SSC land who has memories of the area or living in the soon to be demolished flats?

Spoke to a guy watching the POPLARS demolition and he said he used to live in The BEECHES and they were freezing cold in winter.

Now lives one of the new blocks and hardly has the heating on because they are so warm.

There are also plans to redevelop the whole western area of CP once the demolition has finished so some good brownfield development close to the city centre there!

I do think it deserves its own thread so thank you NH for doing that.

I wonder if there is anyone out there in SSC land who has memories of the area or living in the soon to be demolished flats?

Spoke to a guy watching the POPLARS demolition and he said he used to live in The BEECHES and they were freezing cold in winter.

Now lives one of the new blocks and hardly has the heating on because they are so warm.

There are also plans to redevelop the whole western area of CP once the demolition has finished so some good brownfield development close to the city centre there!

Cheers NH.

Ian, one of the [former] bar staff at the Duke of Welly lived in one of the blocks briefly. He wasn't a fan - an in particular cursed the plumbing; that you couldn't have a washing machine.

Went past on the bus today but horrendous weather prevented any chance of decent shots.

The first block is now a lot closer to the ground.

In addition, the land just off Scotwood Road next to Clumber Street where the old primary school used to be is now being excavated so that's something I will keep an eye on.

Some pictures taken by myself 04/04/12 approx 1100 when south of river, in area of Dunston Staiths, (hosted on Photobucket) showing ongoing work - or not, as it appears machine not working due to high, gusting winds

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1443.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1447.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1441.jpg

KEN

Some further pictures taken by myself 13/04/12 approx 1315 (hosted on Photobucket) showing ongoing work ( machine had just stopped working)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1575.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1577.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1579.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1580.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_1583.jpg

KEN

^^^ is it me or do very few of the interior walls have any 'decoration' on them, such as coloured paint or wallpaper?

^^^ is it me or do very few of the interior walls have any 'decoration' on them, such as coloured paint or wallpaper?A lot of internal demolition took place to take out any toxic substances used when the towers were built so we could be looking at a lot of walls that have been stripped back to what was behind them. We could also be looking communal areas where everything will be blank. Lets also factor in that are just coming out of the neutral minimalism style era as well.

^^^ is it me or do very few of the interior walls have any 'decoration' on them, such as coloured paint or wallpaper?

I have been into Cruddas park flats a few times as part of my work, this is how many of the tenants chose to live.

I have been into Cruddas park flats a few times as part of my work, this is how many of the tenants chose to live.

Indeed. Battery hens' cages would be too good for some of them.

It is sickening to think of the millions the councils spent over the last 30-40 years trying to make the flats more pleasant to live in when they should have realised that it was the some tenants that made them into dumps in the first place.

Wallpaper and garish paint are so passe. Magnolia walls and beige carpets, that's the modern way.

^^^^

Further to some comments above.
I lived in the flats with my mother and don't recall decorating i.e wallpapering or painting the walls.

As far as the reason they became rundown.
Anecdotally,I do remember one guy from Birmingham being housed at the end of our landing.
People used to visit at all times day and night.
(Draw your your own conclusions)
He made a quick exit when someone put a petrol bomb through his letterbox.
Was the problem the guy himself or the council who housed him there?

Anyway, here is the latest pictures of the first block to be demolished.
Down in two weeks?

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/811/mondaywander16thapril20.jpg

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/811/mondaywander16thapril20.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/811/mondaywander16thapril20.jpg

Further pictures from today with two smaller machines now bringing it to ground.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/135/toonwander24thapril2012.jpg

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/135/toonwander24thapril2012.jpg

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/135/toonwander24thapril2012.jpg

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/135/toonwander24thapril2012.jpg

The Poplars now no more.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/2391/tuesdaywander8thmay2012.jpg

One down, four to go.

Assume The Beeches will be next?

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/2391/tuesdaywander8thmay2012.jpg

You can make out The Rocket in the background which is reducing slowly.

Anyone know what they are doing with all the rubble?

Landfill, construction sites or out to sea?

Anyone know what they are doing with all the rubble?

Landfill, construction sites or out to sea?What rubble? In the West End they call that a play ground. :lol:

Anyway don't they now crush it down into pieces and compress them into new bricks or cement mix?

What rubble? In the West End they call that a play ground. :lol:




Hey Chris, you may be right there!!

When I was growing up in Crown Street in Elswick (for a couple of years) there was lots of demolition going on in South Elswick and Scotswood, of some of the old streets.

The demolished sites (they weren't fenced off) were where we played ALL the time!

There was so much old wood around (as well as brick and stone etc) that for two years running we had the most FANTASTIC bonfires in our back lane on November 5th, I remember dragging stuff up from Scotswood on the back of my 'Bogey' (remember them?) and one year we nearly set the street on fire the flames from our bonfire were so high!

A little bit off-topic, but a nice little bit of 'West End social history' . . .

What rubble? In the West End they call that a play ground. :lol:

Anyway don't they now crush it down into pieces and compress them into new bricks or cement mix?

Yes, the Planning Application form indicates that the rubble will be recycled - http://publicaccess.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LGB0E5BSAP000

Hey Chris, you may be right there!!

When I was growing up in Crown Street in Elswick (for a couple of years) there was lots of demolition going on in South Elswick and Scotswood, of some of the old streets.

The demolished sites (they weren't fenced off) were where we played ALL the time!

There was so much old wood around (as well as brick and stone etc) that for two years running we had the most FANTASTIC bonfires in our back lane on November 5th, I remember dragging stuff up from Scotswood on the back of my 'Bogey' (remember them?) and one year we nearly set the street on fire the flames from our bonfire were so high!

A little bit off-topic, but a nice little bit of 'West End social history' . . .

Kids were much more free a few years ago, I really think we have lost most of that which is a shame, they simply would not be allowed to do that now.

Kids were much more free a few years ago, I really think we have lost most of that which is a shame, they simply would not be allowed to do that now.

I hear what you are saying but the thought of a group of kids setting a huge bonfire outside my house and potentially razing it to the ground does not really fill me with joy

I hear what you are saying but the thought of a group of kids setting a huge bonfire outside my house and potentially razing it to the ground does not really fill me with joy


Yes, there were large bonfires up and down all the back lanes, but I remember thinking ours was the best!

Of course, everything was always done under complete and massive adult supervision (on the night) and there was never the remotest bit of danger . . . excuse my 'colourful' use of descriptive language!!

Never had you as a pyromaniac NH :lol:

Never had you as a pyromaniac NH :lol:


Oh yeah, I was hot stuff in them days!!

A photograph of mine taken 16/05/12 from Church Road, Sheriffs Hill, Gateshead showing the 5 refurbished blocks, 4 of the blocks still to be demolished and other features of the west of city (hosted on Photobucket)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_2594.jpg


Will be interesting to take photographs from same location as blocks are removed from the skyline

This is picture taken 28/05/12 of what was left of first block to be demolished (with "Dunston Rocket" part demolished in background)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_3293.jpg


Seemed no "work by machine" was taking place on any of the 4 remaining blocks that are scheduled for demolition at time this photograph was taken

KEN

.
I was initially going to post the below on the "WEST END-DEVELOPMENTS" thread, but it seems to be Riverside Dene (Cruddas Park) specific, unless I have read it wrong . . .

Newcastle Eagles linked to revamp for West End
by Rachel Wearmouth, Evening Chronicle, June 8th 2012


TALKS are under way with high-profile sports clubs as part of moves to bring £30m of regeneration to Newcastle’s West End. Your Homes Newcastle (YHN), which is leading plans for change at Riverside Dene in Elswick, is also known to have private sector backing for a green technology park – which would bring 200 jobs. The Chronicle understands the Newcastle Eagles – the region’s biggest basketball team – could become a partner in the development.

The eco-park and community sports facility look set to become part of a larger development including an enterprise centre, housing and offices in the area. Formerly known as Cruddas Park, work is ongoing to demolish five empty tower blocks – The Beeches, The Poplars, The Willows, King’s Meadows, and Haughton Court. The proposals by YHN and Newcastle City Council could create hundreds of jobs, but YHN is seeking out developers to pump private cash into the scheme.

John Lee, chief executive at Your Homes Newcastle, said: “Discussions are now at an advanced stage with a number of public and private sector partners that share our vision and enthusiasm for Riverside Dene. Plans are for a mixed-use scheme, as this will create new employment opportunities and additional housing."

“Managing a scheme of this size and complexity has to be done in a sensitive way, so we will not be able to confirm what investment has been secured until legal agreements are in place across the partnership, and local residents and Newcastle City Council have had the chance to consider the design and merits of the scheme."


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/06/08/newcastle-eagles-linked-to-revamp-for-west-end-72703-31140975/#ixzz1xHhtVlyV

^^^^

This sounds like an interesting project.

Fab Flournoy of The Eagles is an inspirational guy so hopefully he will be involved and his example can rub off on the kids in the area.

Some further photographs taken by myself 26/06/12 approx 1230 ( lunch time for workers hence no machine working) - hosted on Photobucket

Seems that the work method has changed since demolition of first block

GONE - initial use of the extremely large machine to remove "upper floors"

BEING USED - large sized machine making use of mound of rubble from first block so as to attain greater height, making it possible to reach roof level


Second block in process of being removed, material being taken from north elevation, making it appear if viewing from Scotswood Rd that nothing is happening

First block - now all remains is scrap metal and small amount of debris

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_3914.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_3922.jpg


Second block

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_3924.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_3925.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_3926.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_3927.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_3929.jpg

KEN

A further photograph taken by myself 02/07/12 approx 1245 from the approach ramp to the westbound platform at Metrocentre train station, looking over bus station access ramp - hosted on Photobucket

Shows work on second block being demolished - now at about 50% in one dimension

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_4439.jpg

KEN

Second block being brought to ground pictured 8th July 2012.

They have switched from the taller blocks to this one on De Grey Street (who was De Grey I wonder?)

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-8thJuly2012018.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-8thJuly2012019.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-8thJuly2012020.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-8thJuly2012021.jpg

I have just discovered this site and think some of the photos are great. In the early 1980's I used to visit an old folks home called The Oaks ( to see an old Aunt) and it adjoined the shopping centre at Cruddas Park and was linked by a walkway to the Cruddas Park block of flats. I have fond memories of getting off the bus on Scotswood Road and walking up the hill to the home through the flats. The pictures are great!

Cruddas Park vision getting closer to becoming reality
by Rachel Wearmouth, Evening Chronicle, July 20th 2012

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/jul2012/5/7/the-demolition-of-empty-tower-blocks-at-cruddas-park-newcastle-656658551.jpg
Demolition of the empty tower blocks at Cruddas Park, Newcastle

HALF A MILLION POUNDS of investment will help bring a 3,000-seat stadium to West Newcastle. The British Basketball Association, via the Newcastle Eagles, has pledged to pump £500,000 of grant money into a project which includes a multi-use sports centre at Riverside Dene in Elswick. A £1.5m bid has also been submitted to the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to bring a green technology park which will create dozens of jobs for the area formerly known as Cruddas Park.

The £30m proposals, being put forward by Newcastle City Council and Your Homes Newcastle, are set to breathe fresh life into the area. Office space and housing are also set to be part of the development which will also include an enterprise centre. Students could also get the chance to train in an automotive centre at the site, likely to be supported by Newcastle College Group.

Redevelopment of the area is already underway to demolish five empty tower blocks – The Beeches, The Poplars, The Willows, King’s Meadows, and Haughton Court, which had been considered an eyesore. Meanwhile, YHN has transformed five of the existing housing blocks into modern and sustainable homes.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/07/20/cruddas-park-vision-getting-closer-to-becoming-reality-72703-31435582/#ixzz21BHJLVKD

I grew up living in The Beeches between 1963 and 1977, and have only fond memories. Lots of open space to play football, cricket, riding on our bikes on the hilly undulating terrain, great times. Great views across the river Tyne, within walking distance of the city centre, close to the iconic Scotswood Road. The flats were small, cold, but we had a real sense of community.
I can understand why the new owners of the refurbished flats are so happy with their lot, if you enjoy living in a high rise block, why not ?! Only hope that area picks up, it's sad how a few bad ones can disrupt so much for the majority, but that was always the case growing up in the West End of Newcastle, not a place for the faint hearted...!

Adrian, it would be great if you could post more photos on a regular basis...hopefully I'm not asking too much... :)

^^^^

Assume you are over in Germany Munich Mag?

I was in The Pines at the bottom of Park Road and now refurbished from age 15 in 1970 so may have well seen you biking around!

Latest pictures of the demolition fest that is Cruddas Park!

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/FridayWander-20thJuly2012010.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/FridayWander-20thJuly2012011.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/FridayWander-20thJuly2012012.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/FridayWander-20thJuly2012013.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/FridayWander-20thJuly2012014.jpg

I was talking to a demolition guy and he said they hoped to finished by October.
They are staying seven months in the Grainger Hotel.
By the way, the pile of rubble the high-reach is using was lorried over from the earlier Poplars demolition.
Last but not least MM, The Beeches is the next block to come down!
I will save you a brick as a souvenir?

Cruddas Park vision getting closer to becoming reality
by Rachel Wearmouth, Evening Chronicle, July 20th 2012

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/jul2012/5/7/the-demolition-of-empty-tower-blocks-at-cruddas-park-newcastle-656658551.jpg
Demolition of the empty tower blocks at Cruddas Park, Newcastle

HALF A MILLION POUNDS of investment will help bring a 3,000-seat stadium to West Newcastle. The British Basketball Association, via the Newcastle Eagles, has pledged to pump £500,000 of grant money into a project which includes a multi-use sports centre at Riverside Dene in Elswick. A £1.5m bid has also been submitted to the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to bring a green technology park which will create dozens of jobs for the area formerly known as Cruddas Park.

The £30m proposals, being put forward by Newcastle City Council and Your Homes Newcastle, are set to breathe fresh life into the area. Office space and housing are also set to be part of the development which will also include an enterprise centre. Students could also get the chance to train in an automotive centre at the site, likely to be supported by Newcastle College Group.

Redevelopment of the area is already underway to demolish five empty tower blocks – The Beeches, The Poplars, The Willows, King’s Meadows, and Haughton Court, which had been considered an eyesore. Meanwhile, YHN has transformed five of the existing housing blocks into modern and sustainable homes.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2012/07/20/cruddas-park-vision-getting-closer-to-becoming-reality-72703-31435582/#ixzz21BHJLVKDWhy don't they bid for the Olympic Basketball arena which is set to be dismantled and placed elsewhere in the UK but so far has no takers?

^^^^

BigC

I was going to post the very same thought!

Shy bairns get nowt!

Why not get this iconic arena up here for our use.

Have we got a picture of it?

Just make sure it is strapped down in a high wind!

Here is some pictures of it. Is their anyone who could get into contact with anyone of authority who could get this here?, Greg Stone?
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/3/5/1330954279164/Basketball-Arena-006.jpg

http://images.wordlesstech.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/London-2012-Basketball-Arena-4-618x447.jpg

http://cdn.ltstatic.com/2011/August/TM834439_942long.jpg

More pictures here: http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/London-Olympics/London-Olympics-Basketball-Arena/b7269/imagesPage/42078/



First picture: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/3/5/1330954279164/Basketball-Arena-006.jpg

Second picture: http://images.wordlesstech.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/London-2012-Basketball-Arena-4-618x447.jpg

Third picture: http://cdn.ltstatic.com/2011/August/TM834439_942long.jpg

Re ^^

We have the best Basketball Team in the country, have had for many years, so it certainly seems appropriate.

The below thread is on the "Sports Field" section, of the main UK Skybar . . .


British Basketball - Discussions about the BBL
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=921026


The thread starts off slowly, the later posts are better.

Re ^^

We have the best Basketball Team in the country, have had for many years, so it certainly seems appropriate.

The below thread is on the "Sports Field" section, of the main UK Skybar . . .

British Basketball - Discussions about the BBL
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=921026Yeah, currently they now play at Northumbria University though if they are indeed on planning to relocate (once again) to Cruddas Park then theirs no reason why we can't at least have the Olympic arena even if it is at a reduced capacity. It has already been mostly paid for and if we could get it for free or even on the cheap then great we will then be benefiting from the Olympic games long term.

Our Basketball teams is one of the best and with the right venue in the heart of a community then surely they can grow and attract a new generation of fans and possibly players.

Re ^^

We have the best Basketball Team in the country, have had for many years, so it certainly seems appropriate.

The below thread is on the "Sports Field" section, of the main UK Skybar . . .


British Basketball - Discussions about the BBL
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=921026


The thread starts off slowly, the later posts are better.

Im sure with the close proximaty to Newcastle College they would be happy to offer their support for this..

Reminds me of the fabulous Allianz

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Allianzarenacombo.jpg/250px-Allianzarenacombo.jpg

However.... this is from the games legacy information:

http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa449/newcastlepubs/basketball.jpg

Note the closing para:

After the Games, two thirds of the materials and elements of the Arena can be reused or recycled potentially allowing other parts of the UK to benefit from London 2012.

I wonder if this might mean that rather a lot of this is off to the smelter....

First time I have been here since 26/06/12 so here are some further photographs taken by myself 01/08/12 approx 1200 - hosted on Photobucket

Seems that the work method has changed yet again

BEING USED - large sized machine that was initially used on first block worked on


First block - now all remains is notional amount of debris and "hole"

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6190.jpg


Second block in process of having debris removed, with only small section of lower floor walls left - acting as retaining

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6182.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6184.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6185.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6187.jpg


Third block being "worked on"

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6186.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6192.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6199.jpg

KEN

Here is a further photograph taken by myself 04/08/12 approx 1000 used to compare with similar shot taken 12/11/11, south side of river looking north - hosted on Photobucket

12 November 2011

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6077-1.jpg

04 August 2012

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6361.jpg

KEN

Taken from Dunston Staithes today (09/08/2012)

http://i47.tinypic.com/71skcx.jpg

You go away for a couple of weeks and they've gone and knocked down all of Kings Meadows!

Pictured Sunday the 19th of August 2012 so no 'nibbler' action.

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-19thAugust2012020.jpg

Haughton Court awaiting its fate... you're next matey!

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-19thAugust2012021.jpg

The Willows has half gone already...the demolition firm is on a deadline...

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-19thAugust2012026.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-19thAugust2012027.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-19thAugust2012028.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/SundayWander-19thAugust2012033.jpg

The new stadium that is potentially to be built is shown on the plan as being on the old footprint of The Willows at an angle to Scotswood Road. The new stadium is said to be ready for the new basketball stadium by September 2013, which seems a very tight timescale?

Reminds me of the fabulous Allianz

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Allianzarenacombo.jpg/250px-Allianzarenacombo.jpg

However.... this is from the games legacy information:

http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa449/newcastlepubs/basketball.jpg

Note the closing para:



I wonder if this might mean that rather a lot of this is off to the smelter....

Seems strange building a new arena a couple of hundred metres from the Metro Radio arena which is only used a couple of dozen times a year these days. Why did the Eagles vacate the arena and move to Sports City.

A photograph of mine taken 16/05/12 from Church Road, Sheriffs Hill, Gateshead showing the 5 refurbished blocks, 4 of the blocks still to be demolished and other features of the west of city (hosted on Photobucket)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_2594.jpg


Will be interesting to take photographs from same location as blocks are removed from the skyline

KEN

The answer is this at part demolition - picture taken 28/08/12 AM from similar location

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6779.jpg

And this one zooming in to show state of demolition of blocks 28/08/12 AM

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6781.jpg


Images hosted on Photobucket

KEN

Seems strange building a new arena a couple of hundred metres from the Metro Radio arena which is only used a couple of dozen times a year these days. Why did the Eagles vacate the arena and move to Sports City.

I can t see any prospect of that arena moving north..

Here's wikipedia [for all it's faults] steer on the move to Sport Central:

In September 2010, after 14 years at the Arena, the Eagles moved to Northumbria University's newly built Sport Central development featuring a 3,000 capacity arena, located in their campus in the north east part of the city centre. While having the arena's capacity had been part of the reason why the team went from an under-performing side to league champions for which the team were thankful, part of the reason for the move was that due to clashes with Friday night concerts the team would have to play away from home, leading to lost revenue, with the final season seeing the team go on the road for three straight months, while the arena hosted the musical Mamma Mia!. The move also offered improved training arrangements, and enhanced pre-existing links with the university teams.The team had also only been averaging 3,000 crowds in the arena, which could hold 6,500.

It sounds plausible.

Reply from Director of Regeneration re basketball stadium:

"Thanks for the intelligence re Olympic Park. We have worked to a specific timetable, site plan and cost envelope – all of which are very tight, so I wouldn’t want to delay now to assess the London provision (which I suspect will be somewhat bigger than we have in mind for the Community stadium)."

These pictures taken by myself to show the state of demolition works (ongoing to 4th block) as viewed from near Newcastle end of Redheugh Bridge, 28/08/12 approx 1415 (hosted on Photobucket)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6812.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6816.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6817A.jpg

KEN

A real shame they couldn't have done all 10 towers like the 5 that have been done, would have looked really good IMO.

Does anyone know if they have any plans to refurbish/demolish Cruddas Park House?

A further photograph taken by myself 02/07/12 approx 1245 from the approach ramp to the westbound platform at Metrocentre train station, looking over bus station access ramp - hosted on Photobucket

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_4439.jpg

KEN

This from similar location on 31/08/12 approx 1100

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6897.jpg


These viewed from south of the river 31/08/12 AM showing ongoing work to 4th of 5 blocks to be removed (hosted on Photobucket)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6921.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6929.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6944.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_6965.jpg

KEN

The fourth block is now being brought to ground fast....

The Willows is/was the block next to Scotswood Road.

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/MondayWander-3rdSeptember2012022.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/MondayWander-3rdSeptember2012025.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/MondayWander-3rdSeptember2012030.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/MondayWander-3rdSeptember2012032.jpg

The Olympic Basketball arena.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/582667_4299776489448_1912327796_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/391771_4299778529499_2082189059_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/281804_4299779929534_291554103_n.jpg

These photos are mine and I reserve all copyright of them.

Here are further photographs taken by myself 06/09/12 approx 1000 viewed from south side of river (Derwentwater Rd & Cuthbert St) looking north - hosted on Photobucket
High Reach machine now started on 5th block , stump of 4th block still in view

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_7341-Cut-1.jpg
http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/IMG_7339.jpg
KEN

I wonder if anyone with some local knowledge can answer this question? The church visible in both of the above photos, at the south end of Brunel Terrace - was it always just a spire, or if not then what happened to the rest of it?

How odd. Just looking at this on google street view and you're right, it does appear to just be a tower. Very odd.

I wonder if anyone with some local knowledge can answer this question? The church visible in both of the above photos, at the south end of Brunel Terrace - was it always just a spire, or if not then what happened to the rest of it?

St Paul And St Stephens Church was demolished in the late 80's. it moved in to the copper roofed brick building 50m further up scotswood road. No idea why they pulled the old church down and left the spire standing.

I wonder if anyone with some local knowledge can answer this question? The church visible in both of the above photos, at the south end of Brunel Terrace - was it always just a spire, or if not then what happened to the rest of it?


Yes, an interesting one!

We have covered this church a few times on the forum.

The information you seek is contained within some of the below posts, linked in the below extract from the Forum INDEX Thread . . .


St Stephens Church (aka 'St Stephens & St Paul' and/or 'Elswick Parish Church') Clumber St / Brunel St, Scotswood

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=87481139&postcount=425
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=87598078&postcount=433
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=87737485&postcount=438
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=87738261&postcount=439
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=92740178&postcount=307
.

Did the redevelopment money run out as the four surviving blocks look bonzer after they were modernised and, if the council have good tenants in, would be a decent place to live.

Did the redevelopment money run out as the four surviving blocks look bonzer after they were modernised and, if the council have good tenants in, would be a decent place to live.


Five blocks refurbished

Funding etc covered in post 6 earlier this thread

KEN

.
Did the redevelopment money run out? The four surviving blocks look bonzer after they were modernised and, if the council have good tenants in, would be a decent place to live.

That is pretty much what happened . . .


Cruddas Park flats to be pulled down for houses
September 11th 2010, by Amy Hunt, The Journal

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/cruddas-park-51443484.jpg

SOME of Tyneside’s most famous blocks will be pulled down after cash ran out for a regeneration project. The high-rise flats at Cruddas Park have been a part of Newcastle’s skyline since the 1960s, built as part of renegade council leader T Dan Smith’s vision of a “city in the sky” to replace slum terraces, but now five of the 10 blocks will be demolished to make way for a range of new homes.

Private developers are being invited to come forward with schemes in a bid to regenerate the area, which was renamed Riverside Dene in April 2009 in a “rebranding” exercise costing £45,000. Council chiefs say all tenants of the blocks will be rehoused. Newcastle City Council and Your Homes Newcastle had been working on a £90m project to revamp all the blocks but private developers who were helping to finance the work pulled out in October last year, blaming the recession.

Some of the refurbished blocks . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/RiversideDenea.jpg

Council bosses were left with a £4.6m black hole in the project (when the private developer pulled out) and having to commit more taxpayers’ cash to finish makeovers on the first five blocks. Now they have decided the best option is to get rid of the others in the hope that private sector cash can be secured to regenerate the sites.

The sites on which the five blocks currently stand will be earmarked for a mixture of new homes, along with a large site off Loadman Street in Elswick. As part of wider plans for the area the former Mary Trevelyan school site will be sold off as a potential site for a supermarket, while the Cruddas Park Shopping Centre and tower block will be put forward for a revamp.

Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/09/11/cruddas-park-flats-to-be-pulled-down-for-houses-61634-27245478/
.

Five blocks refurbished

Funding etc covered in post 6 earlier this thread

KEN


Ken, your post arrived while I was doing mine!

Yes, it was all covered earlier in the thread.

A shame as these weren't bad flats. I do remember them being used in Wire in the Blood where a sniper shoots someone from a flat.

Pictured last Sunday so probably now no more.

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/MondayWander-9thSept2012021.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/MondayWander-9thSept2012019.jpg

This is supposed to be the location (just off Scotswood Road) for the new Arena - we shall see?

Fifth and final block now under the hammer...

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/MondayWander-9thSept2012015.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/MondayWander-9thSept2012010.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/MondayWander-9thSept2012008.jpg

A huge amount of spare (brown field) land will soon become available.

This area also leads onto the area that Noble Street flats used to inhabit.

Those blocks take up a surprisingly large area of land. If done well, there could be a lot of good quality housing built there a stone's throw from the city centre.

"Need to build on the greenbelt" my a**e.

Those blocks take up a surprisingly large area of land. If done well, there could be a lot of good quality housing built there a stone's throw from the city centre.

"Need to build on the greenbelt" my a**e.

You'll get a fraction of the house numbers that can be built on the wasteful greenbelt.

You'll get a fraction of the house numbers that can be built on the wasteful greenbelt.

I wasn't suggesting that one site could provide space for all of the necessary homes. Scotswood, Elswick, Walker, areas of Heaton etc... There's plenty of space.

I wasn't suggesting that one site could provide space for all of the necessary homes. Scotswood, Elswick, Walker, areas of Heaton etc... There's plenty of space.

Look at the area west of Westgate Road that have been wiped out since the 60's and 70's, Gloucester Road et al, a desolate landscape now!

Well, nearly the end of the T Dan Smith dream?

Haughton Court or the Leaning Tower of Cruddas Park now nearly gone.

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/WednesdayWander-20thSeptember2012005_zpsa5fb17c6.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/WednesdayWander-20thSeptember2012009_zpsa5710a8f.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/WednesdayWander-20thSeptember2012008_zpsd1879f37.jpg

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/WednesdayWander-20thSeptember2012011_zps3bb1ffa4.jpg

St Stephen's spire now no longer surrounded by tower blocks

http://i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u512/MrSwall/WednesdayWander-20thSeptember2012003_zps53e4068d.jpg

Follow up to Adrian's post of 20/09/11 above, here are some further photographs taken by myself 21/09/12 from viewpoint south of the river approx 1045 (with exception of one) - all hosted on Photobucket


This was 12/11/2011

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_6086_zps792565e8.jpg

Today 21/09/11 as following pictures

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7844_zps265f975e.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7840_zpsf00e32f1.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7839_zps667dd391.jpg


http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7823_zps88ff1821.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7821_zps8bb680d4.jpg


http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7816_zpsf1dbcea2.jpg

KEN

This is screen print 21/09/12 from Google Maps (latest pictures) showing the Cruddas Park area as work was in progress to 1st of 5 blocks to be demolished ( assessed 3rd/4th week of March 2012) - hosted on Photobucket

It gives a good idea of the names and orientation of blocks, church, church spire etc

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/CruddasPark_zps7f056e0d.png

A good record

KEN

Well, nearly the end of the T Dan Smith dream?

a pedantic point but didnt TDan argue for refurbishment of the old stock but the central government of the time would only give grants for demolition?

Cruddas Park house looking a bit of a sore thumb now

Could have been a rather impressive looking estate if all 10 blocks had been refurbished. Looks rather desolate now. And yeah, Cruddas Park house just sticks out like a sore thumb. But I'm sure it'll probably be demolished in a few years to come.

Follow up to post #159 of 21/09/12, here are some further photographs taken by myself Saturday 21/09/12 from close in viewpoint as well as from south of the river and north end of Redheugh Bridge approx 1000 - 1030 (hosted on Photobucket)

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7881-Cut_zps9459ac01.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7884_zpsa1bbc797.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7886_zpsc785c97f.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7888_zps8e61c2f4.jpg

Actually Cruddas Park looks quite pleasant now with the wooded areas and the remaining blocks being redeveloped.

Here are some further photographs taken by myself Friday 28/09/12 AM from close in viewpoints as well as from south of the river (hosted on Photobucket)

View now without any part of 5 towers

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_7968_zps3a93dc10.jpg

Close up views of the works still to be carried out

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_8027_zps990754a2.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_8043_zps68b6a108.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_8042_zps7bff01a3.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_8038_zpsa12a3ffb.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20OHeed%20album%202%20For%20use%20on%20Skyscrapercity%20com/Ken%20O%20Heed%20Album%203%20for%20SSC/IMG_8035_zps74662955.jpg

Still a while to go - but the picture opportunities now ended

KEN

Planning application submitted for this new facility just off Scotswood Road.

http://publicaccess.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=MCT4VOBS00900

This has to be and running for next September?

Another PA submitted for this development.

http://publicaccess.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=MCJFFABSAP000

Lots of work already going on on the intended location just off Scotswood Road.

.
Evening Chronicle, Thursday 31st January 2013 . .
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%204/ScotswoodRegeneration_0001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%204/ScotswoodRegeneration_0002.jpg
.

Didn't Newcastle Eagles move to the new Sports Centre at Northumberland Uni not that long ago?

Didn't Newcastle Eagles move to the new Sports Centre at Northumberland Uni not that long ago?

They did.

The area off Scotswood Road has been cleared (just down the road from the Arena where the Eagles were originally) but I always thought the original date of September 2013 opening was a bit ambitious.
Figure of 250,000 visitors a year looks a bit high also?

Here's hoping people don't think it's a bit too far out of town as numbers at Sports Central were increasing.

Planning Application for a new Audi garage just off Scotswood Road.

http://publicaccess.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=MH12XABSAP000

Seems this will replace the existing Audi garage further west along Scotswood (car showroom) Road?

This would be just next to the proposed Basketball Arena.

Are things looking up in Cruddas Park?

Elswick residents unhappy with Basketball Arena plan
Evening Chronicle, February 16th 2013

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/feb2013/8/0/an-artist-s-impression-of-the-new-venue-at-cruddas-park-553395772.jpg
An artist's impression of the new Basketball Arena at Cruddas Park

A BASKETBALL ARENA to hold up to 3,000 fans has been given the go ahead – but residents say they will challenge the build. The arena, at Riverside Dene in Elswick, Newcastle, was granted planning permission by Newcastle City Council and will become the permanent home of the Newcastle Eagles basketball team and provide sports training facilities for the community.

However people living nearby say they will ask the council to rethink their decision, as the council-owned site is protected by a covenant more than 100 years old that stipulates the land should be kept as a park.

There are also fears that the arena is out of keeping with the local area and will not provide jobs for local residents. MP Chi Onwurah, who represents people living in Elswick also objected to the plans on the grounds that it was ‘inappropriate for the area’ and could lead potential parking and congestion problems.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2013/02/16/elswick-residents-unhappy-with-basketball-arena-plan-72703-32822024/#ixzz2L4b4E9zo

^^^^

The proposed Arena is on the brownfield site of the now demolished 'The Willows' just off Scotswood Road so puzzled by 'it's a covenented park' argument?

Have some doubts about the location for this.
Where would people park and would spectators be happy to travel there?
The existing Sports Central at Northumbria University seems a decent home for the Eagles Basketball Team.

This new Arena is supposed to be also a sports training centre but the current NCC proposals are to potentially close the nearby Scotwood Sports Centre and Elswick Pool.:ohno:

Elswick residents unhappy with Basketball Arena plan
Evening Chronicle, February 16th 2013

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/feb2013/8/0/an-artist-s-impression-of-the-new-venue-at-cruddas-park-553395772.jpg
An artist's impression of the new Basketball Arena at Cruddas Park



The notification of scheme approval from NCC Planning Portal :-

2012/1490/01/GRB

Erection of a basketball hall training and competition venue with associated 2,800 capacity spectator seating and ancillary office and teaching accommodation, hospitality areas, shop and refreshment/snack facility and provision of 295 car parking spaces, cycle parking and coach drop off; realignment and extension of Nesham Street to provide access into site; linking to existing CHP plant within Cruddas Park House and associated hard and soft landscaping works

Site Bounded By Scotswood Road, Clumber Street And Westmorland Road (Riverside Dene) Newcastle upon Tyne

Status - Granted Conditionally

http://publicaccess.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=MCJFFABSAP000

KEN

The planning application has been approved but the council has not yet formally agreed the funding of the project. Further questions remain to be asked...

I don't get the residents there.

First of it was "This estate is an eyesore and no one wants to live here"

NCC then demolish half the estate and refurbish the rest of it.

Then it was "There is nothing here, no jobs, no services, nothing for anyone to do"

Then NCC decide to bring a basketball arena/multi use facility to the estate and this is met with "We don't want it".

The residents there should be over joyed at what is happening there, I bet the remaining good residents at Scotswood would love for such a facility and investment.

Here are some further photographs taken by myself Friday 19/04/13 at 1400, viewpoint from south of the river and some "close in" taken 11/04/13 of the now graded, contoured and topsoiled ( but not yet landscaped) areas where some of the blocks used to be (hosted on Photobucket)

View now without any part of 5 towers and with recently insulated and white rendered Adelaide House in the background, left

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20Album%204/IMG_5311CruddasParkflats_zpsf66451c9.jpg

These from 11/04/13

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20Album%204/IMG_4675_zps14050374.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20Album%204/IMG_4674_zpsfa688e91.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20Album%204/IMG_4671_zpsbe95a8a3.jpg

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20Album%204/IMG_4669_zps39f13b28.jpg

but some things remain

http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa358/KenOHeed/Ken%20Album%204/IMG_4668_zpse1abb847.jpg

KEN