Cruddas Park is an estate of some eleven tower blocks and associated low-rise properties in the West End of Newcastle, approximately one mile from the City Centre. We were appointed with the architects Halsall Lloyd Partnership to carry out an Option Appraisal on these blocks, in the context of the other high rise blocks in the City.

Consequently, we then developed a comprehensive regeneration strategy for the blocks that included stock retention and refurbishment of some blocks, coupled with remodelling within the blocks, and disposal of four of the blocks to the private sector to create a more mixed tenure estate (whereas ‘ Your Homes Newcastle’ had originally favoured demolition and comprehensive re-development).

Phil Stokoe of PSC led on the demand analysis, option appraisal and community consultation and engagement part of the Option Appraisal. Further development work was carried out by Ryder HKS and Cole Thompson Anders, but we were subsequently separately appointed to lead a second Phase of consultation and engagement with residents in 2005. This scheme, funded by Newcastle’s ALMO, the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, New Deal for Communities and through private sector investment, is due to commence this year, and is intended to incorporate energy efficiency measures, wind turbines, solar panels and a high standard of design for this previously unloved estate.