A ground-breaking ceremony has marked the start of construction on the £500 million Health Innovation Neighbourhood which is set to create 1,250 homes and promote longer, healthier lives.

Leading figures from Newcastle University, the North East Combined Authority, Newcastle City Council and Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd, took part in the event to highlight their strong support and commitment to the ambitious project.

Newcastle University leads the initiative with the overarching goal of making the scheme a model for promoting innovative lifestyles that not only extend life expectancy but also improve overall health span.

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Engagement and Place at Newcastle University, said: "This is a major milestone for the development of our Health Innovation Neighbourhood (HIN). This site builds on Newcastle University’s world-leading expertise in healthy ageing and will be the first of its kind in the UK, tackling major health and social challenges with the aim of identifying solutions that will benefit people here in the North East and worldwide.

"Improving healthy life expectancy is vital to creating a more inclusive economy and we are delighted to have the support of regional leaders in achieving this ambition."

Councillor Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council, stated: "This marks the start of an exciting major development for our city which brings new life to an important site while delivering world-class research and healthcare facilities, housing, green spaces and leisure opportunities. This is just one of a number of development sites that can help transform our city and the lives of our residents.

"I’m really pleased to see work begin on the Health Innovation Neighbourhood and look forward to seeing it deliver the jobs, opportunities and growth that we all want to see in Newcastle as part of our commitment to achieving an inclusive economy that works for all our residents."

Newcastle University, in collaboration with development partners Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd, is set to transform the former 29-acre General Hospital site in Newcastle's West End. This transformation will capitalise on the university's renowned research and innovation in the field of aging and promoting well-being.

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The development will cement the region's status in leading ageing research, with the construction of new academic hubs, NHS and other health-related facilities, residential, business, community, and leisure spaces.

Last month, Newcastle City Council granted planning consent for HIN's comprehensive masterplan, marking a significant milestone. Demolition work is slated to commence shortly on the site, propelled by the recent allocation of funding through the North East's trailblazer devolution deal.

The project will include 350,000 sq ft of research and innovation facilities, a further 350,000 sq ft of business, employment and education space, 100,000 sq ft of NHS and other health-related facilities, and 1,250 new homes, up to 15 per cent of which will be affordable.

The mixed residential space will include inter-generational living, later living and supported living residences. Additionally, it will feature specialized housing tailored for individuals living with dementia, incorporating insights from global best practices in the field.

Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, stated: "More green affordable homes. That’s what will bring back to life the Newcastle General Hospital site that so many people will recognise. I’m delighted to support this world-class centre, developing cutting edge research and housing to help people live and age better.

Everyone in our great North East should have access to a good home. I’m committed to making sure they do and to creating green jobs and opportunity as we build."

HIN aims to combine health, research, and community amenities, and support local economic and infrastructure development.

Planned developments include a hub which would support local community needs through digitally enhanced services, including community-accessible facilities, a café, digital learning spaces, and areas for innovation, research, training, and office use. It would be designed to establish a new southern entry point and frontage on Newcastle’s Westgate Road.

The approved redevelopment blueprint includes the integration of two sustainable transport hubs to support the site's evolving functions, along with designated public areas and zones earmarked for retail and leisure activities. Moreover, the masterplan integrates verdant pathways and envisions a range of development plots surrounding a spacious open area, augmenting connectivity through newly established east-west links across the site.

Dame Norma Redfearn, Interim Portfolio Holder for Housing and Land at the North East Combined Authority, added: "I am pleased to see this unique and important development get off the ground which is an early example of the wonderful difference the work of the North East Combined Authority and our partners will have on the lives of our residents.

"It is important that all residents can live healthy, fulfilling lives, in neighbourhoods and communities that help them thrive. Safe, secure housing makes a critical difference to resident’s lives, and providing affordable, healthy and vibrant houses and neighbourhoods is a priority for everyone involved in the combined authority. The Health Innovation Neighbourhood will offer these opportunities and I am looking forward to it developing further."

The Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd partnership represents an equal collaboration between Kajima, a prominent pan-European real estate developer and investor and Genr8 Developments, a leading force in regeneration projects. Together, they are dedicated to creating a vibrant space that not only improves the local community but also supports research and innovation initiatives on the site.

Richard Ingham, Director of Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd, said: "The Health Innovation Neighbourhood will be a genuinely transformational project for Newcastle, creating a dynamic and multi-generational environment that enables people to live longer, healthier lives. The commencement of the demolition works is a significant step on the journey and following on from the recently granted outline planning permission, reinforces the momentum which the project now has."