The hunt is on for a developer who can deliver a vast regeneration vision hailed as a “generational opportunity” to shape the future of Newcastle over the next two decades..
After a huge funding boost was confirmed earlier this year to finally kickstart development on the Quayside West site, Homes England has now launched its search for a construction partner who could build 1,100 homes on the derelict plot next to the Utilita Arena.
Developers are being invited to bid for a contract, valued at an estimated £330 million, for the huge works to the former Calders leadworks site, which has stood for years as a riverside wasteland seen by thousands of people crossing the Tyne by road or rail every day.
The contract envisions the building works on the disused land, the largest plot within the wider Forth Yards regeneration area, as taking place between 2027 and 2042 – but potentially extending to the end of December 2047.
It comes after Homes England purchased the site last year and a £121.8 million Government funding package was confirmed this August to fund complex land remediation, demolition, and infrastructure improvement works that have held back progress previously.
Homes England chair Pat Ritchie, the former chief executive of Newcastle City Council, said: “Forth Yards offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Newcastle, bringing new life to a part of the city with huge potential. Beginning the search for a development partner is a major milestone, as we move from vision to delivery at Quayside West.
“In close partnership with Newcastle City Council, the North-East Combined Authority, Network Rail, and our future partner, we will create a vibrant new neighbourhood that reflects the ambition of the city and offers a place people are proud to call home. It’s an exciting moment for Newcastle and the North-East, and we are looking forward to working together to make it happen.”
Elsewhere in the Forth Yards area, more than 500 flats are being built by Olympian Homes between the Redheugh and King Edward VII bridges, while Network Rail has plans for 600 homes and a mult-storey car park on the Forth Goods Yard that it owns.
An elevated pedestrian route, cycleway, and park likened to New York’s High Line is also proposed.
Meanwhile, a planning inquiry is currently being held over contested plans for up to 356 apartments on the Newcastle Heliport site.
In total, up to 2,500 new homes could be built across the wider Forth Yards.
Council leader Karen Kilgour said: “This is a generational opportunity to transform our city, bring growth to the region and help address the shortage of much-needed housing that towns and cities across the country are facing.
“It’s fantastic to see the momentum being maintained at Forth Yards ahead of what promises to be a transformational development for Newcastle and the North East.
“The securing of a development partner will be a hugely exciting milestone that brings us ever closer to the point of seeing work taking place on site, and we look forward to continuing to work with partners to make that happen.”
A contract for the Quayside West site is expected to be awarded in October 2026.
