Have your say on exciting plans for riverside scheme

A NEW bridge could be built across the River Tyne as part of a huge regeneration project to transform one of the North East's most prominent patches of derelict land.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

How the Forth Yards area of Newcastle could look under regeneration plans

Eye-catching images have revealed the vision for Newcastle's Forth Yards riverside development, a vast plan to build 2,500 new homes to the west of the city centre over the next two decades.

Early proposals showcase the potential for a new footbridge connecting Newcastle and Gateshead.

That pedestrian crossing would be located next to the Redheugh Bridge, offering a new connection across the river at the western end of the Quayside.

The exciting designs have been unveiled as Newcastle City Council launches a public consultation on the future of the Forth Yards area, 52 acres of former industrial land that has been described as the last significant development site in the city.

This summer, the Government confirmed a £121.8m funding package to kickstart the regeneration of the Quayside West plot next to the Utilita Arena.

Quayside West is the largest parcel of land within the wider Forth Yards area and has lain vacant for more than 20 years, with repeated setbacks blamed on the cost of building infrastructure and remediating contaminated land on what was once the former Calders leadworks.

While Homes England is searching for a private sector developer to deliver a 1,100-home project there, the council is now urging Tynesiders to have their say on what is needed from the Forth Yards vision.