Improvement 12: The sustainability of old buildings

Progress Update

Information from the Feedback Event held on 22/03/10:

New Environmental Standards often means old buildings can’t be converted

Buildings are preserved through ‘Listing’ by Departments of Culture, Media, and Sport. Approximately 2000 properties are ‘Listed’ in Newcastle

Buildings have to be over 30 years old to be ‘Listed’

The Local Authority can declare an area a ‘conservation area’

Reusing old buildings is good for the environment but buildings do have a lifespan

‘Retro-fitting’ is one way of preserving old buildings but it can alter the exterior

Bridging NewcastleGateshead (BNG) has funded the conversion of Tyneside Flats in Benwell

BNG try to create neighbourhoods with a mixture of houses – sometimes too many old style houses do not meet families expectations

BNG use a consulting company to look at plans for an area and they advise them when streets can be preserved and when they need to be demolished and new buildings erected

Actions:

· A ‘retro-fit’ of an old Victorian terrace in North Benwell by BNG is being carried out and the group have been invited to visit it

· The group have been invited to visit the Newcastle Partnership office (housed in an old building) and share the plans about the regeneration of the Pilgrim Street area

· Following the event the group will work with the Quality of Life Partnership and the Elders Council on LIFETIME homes and access for older people

· The group will speak to the Area Regeneration Team (Heather Davidson) in Scotswood Library about the plans for Scotswood and Benwell

· The group will get involved in the Heritage Open Days in Newcastle planned for September 2010