A multi-million pound redevelopment of a derelict cluster of homes at the heart of the Grade II listed Byker housing estate in Newcastle was officially opened by Baroness Andrews, Chair of English Heritage.

Designed by internationally renowned architect Ralph Erskine, Bolam Coyne is a highly distinctive cluster of housing that forms part of the iconic Byker Estate in Newcastle. Having sat derelict for over a decade, targeted with vandalism and anti-social behaviour, the redevelopment has transformed the estate into 15 two and three-bedroom modern and sustainable family homes.

The redevelopment is by Your Homes Newcastle (YHN), an Arms Length Management Organisation responsible for managing council homes on behalf of Newcastle City Council. Chief Executive John Lee said: "Bringing vacant properties back into use and providing affordable social housing were key drivers in this redevelopment. Bolam Coyne has been transformed into a modern and sustainable living space, keeping Ralph Erskine's visionary design and architecture at the forefront of the major renovations.

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"This unique project has created homes as well as a community, and it is a great example of how we can use existing buildings to meet the current high demand for social housing in Newcastle."

YHN made the decision, with support from Newcastle City Council, to renovate Bolam Coyne and worked closely with English Heritage, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Wates Living Space and Ryder Architects to achieve the transformation. All 15 homes are now occupied and tenants have started to move in to the new properties.

During the visit Baroness Andrews, Chair of English Heritage, also opened Napier Street in Shieldfield. The Leazes Homes development provides 15 supported flats for people with learning difficulties and 10 three-bedroom family townhouses, five of which will be available on a shared ownership scheme.

(CD/GK)