Historic buildings to gain new life as community hub

BUILDINGS which played a key part in the creation of what was to be a housing scheme that won international acclaim are to take on a new life again in the development thanks to a funding award.

- TONY HENDERSON

More than £98,000 will transform two Grade II* listed Hobby Rooms on Newcastle's Byker Wall Estate, bringing vital community facilities to one of England's most distinctive housing ventures.

Karbon Homes will convert Spires Lane hobby room into a new community hub, while St Michael's Mount will become an artist's studio for creative production and community involvement.

These unique buildings were originally designed as part of architect Ralph Erskine’s bold 1960s social housing vision to encourage community interaction. After years of neglect, the funding will restore their original purpose while addressing today’s needs.

Karbon Homes owns and manages 1,800 homes on the estate.

The project is part of Karbon Homes’ Fair Foundations approach to placemaking, delivering projects and initiatives in its communities that help make lasting change and support social growth.

The award has come from the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, led by Historic England and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which rescues listed buildings and sites facing dereliction or demolition

Another award of almost £1m has gone to has gone to Woodhorn in Northumberland.