What is it all about?
North Central is an area of Newcastle that covers Blakelaw, Cowgate, Kenton Bar and North Kenton. The map below shows the boundary in red.
This boundary has been defined by Bridging NewcastleGateshead which is one of nine Housing Market Renewal pathfinders set up by the Government to tackle problems caused by low demand and abandoned housing and the effect it has on local communities.
The Council has been asking residents’ on their views with the aim of producing a plan that will improve a wide range of subjects, such as:-
What has happened so far?
June - December 2007
Extensive consultation with stakeholders, residents and community groups took place.
The first Time For Change newsletter was distributed across North Central to homes and businesses in June 2007 inviting people along to a consultation event with a second newsletter sent out in July 2007. You can see copies of the newsletters by clicking on the following links:-
June 2007 (pdf 1018.4kb)
July 2007 (pdf 1.29mb)
July 2008 (pdf 284kb)
During the first round of events in June 2007 the consultants asked people what they liked or didn’t like about where they lived. They also asked people for ideas about how they thought we could improve their area.
During the second round of events in July 2007 the consultants put up displays with ideas for each area based on what people had told them to date. Visitors to the events put stickers on the boards to show what they did or didn’t like and extra space was available for people who wished to make specific comments.
People told us they wanted us to:-
Improve the shops
Make more use of the parks and green spaces
Provide young people with more things to do
Better access to public transport
New housing for rent or for sale
Safer streets
Better maintenance of public spaces.
Everyone who attended one of the consultation events was asked to sign in to be entered into a free prize draw. Congratulations to the lucky winners who were:-
26” flat screen television
Alex from Cowgate
(picture to the left)
Dawn from Cowgate
And, £25.00 Eldon Square Vouchers to…….
Blakelaw - A Chapman
Cowgate - Julie Charlton
Kenton Bar – Valerie Schollar and Sarah Hayles
North Kenton – Jane Wray
November 2007
An introductory meeting of the North Central Steering Group was held at the Civic Centre. This group is made up of partners, stakeholders and community representatives from each of the four areas as well as the Ward Councillors.
The purpose of this group is to develop partnership working across public, private, community and voluntary sectors linking in with the Ward Committees.
It looks at strategic direction and objectives for North Central Area. The Community Representatives then take information back to each area to share it with residents. If residents have any concerns or comments their representative can bring any issues to the next meeting. A copy of the presentation given at the meeting can be seen by clicking here.
June 2008
The North Central Steering Group met for an update following the last meeting. A copy of the presentation given at the meeting can be seen by clicking here.
July 2008
The third Time for Change newsletter was delivered to approx 6,500 addresses across North Central to let people know what has been happening to date. To see a copy of this newsletter click the link shown above along with all the newsletters issued to date.
What happens next?
As you will see from our newsletter there is a lot of work still to be done. In September/October of this year we hope to be in a position to tell you more and will be attending residents meetings in your area and Ward Committees to keep you up-to-date.
In the meantime if you have any questions or need further information please contact Julie Bhabra on 0191 211 5640 or Paul Whiston on 0191 277 7850 E-mail : north-central@newcastle.gov.uk.