Health Innovation Neighbourhood

Clearance of the empty and derelict buildings began in May 2024 and will last approximately one year. We are working with specialist contractors MGL Group to complete this work.

Activities in the buildings occupied by the NHS and University will remain in operation as usual.

We will be monitoring the works throughout. We want to ensure this work does not cause undue disturbance, inconvenience, or stress to the local community. MGL will use the one-way vehicle system around the site.

We secured planning permission from Newcastle City Council in April 2024 for the detailed masterplan. This means that we can start preparing the site for future development.

The Health Innovation Neighbourhood will achieve, adopt, or exceed the following:

• net zero carbon development by 2040
• adapt to climate change by:
  • managing flood risk and promoting a sustainable urban drainage strategy that create habitats for biodiversity
• sustainable construction by:
  • maximising energy efficiency and use of low carbon energy
  • incorporating and enhancing biodiversity
• low and zero carbon energy generation by:
  • all buildings to consume minimal energy for heating or cooling
  • investment in both on and off-site renewable technologies
• increasing nature and biodiversity by:
  • achieving minimum of 10% net gain in biodiversity
• sustainable transport and travel by:
  • prioritising walking and cycling routes through the development
  • aiming for a largely car-free neighbourhood
  • aspirations for innovative models of transport, including possible transport hubs/mobility hubs for car share schemes and electric bike hire schemes

Initial public consultation exercises on the master plan began in 2020 and ran through 2023. These included a combination of online and in-person surveys, conversations, in-person drop-ins, and a virtual consultation room. 

Those who contributed to these exercises have expressed positive views about the proposals. We used the responses to inform the planning submission and incorporated feedback into the Design Code including:

• interest in green spaces
• the borders of the site
• the desire for outdoor spaces to encourage sport, community engagement, and creativity

The proposals include ample green, open space and access and circulation routes through the site. This begins to address some of the fundamental issues raised during the consultation process.

As the masterplan develops we will continue to update and consult the public, local community interest groups, and Ward Councillors. This will ensure that the aims and objectives set in 2020 remain at the heart of the HIN masterplan development. 

In 2022, we commissioned Urban Foresight to develop a community engagement strategy and action plan. Two rounds of engagement with individuals and organisations in the west end of Newcastle was carried out.  This was then used to set objectives for community engagement. The action plan is helping to shape our current engagement strategy. 

We aim to work together with our many external partners. Community Engagement is vital for the successful development of the Health Innovation Neighbourhood. There will be many opportunities to engage and consult. Opportunities for involvement could include: 

• individual participation in surveys or consultations on specific aspects of the build 
• representing a group or organisation in consultations 
• distributing information, updates, and opportunities to engage with your networks
• participating in and creating research opportunities
• longer-term commitment to participation in structured decision-making about the development of the site
• attending engagement events

If you have any questions or would like to get involved. Please email: EngageHIN@newcastle.ac.uk.