Newcastle City Council leader unveils bold plan for 15,000 new homes and stronger communities

The Leader of Newcastle City Council has announced a bold plan to create vibrant, cohesive communities across the city, underpinned by the delivery of 15,000 new homes over the next decade.

This programme is not just about building houses – it’s about shaping neighbourhoods where people feel connected, supported, and proud to live.

In July last year Cllr Karen Kilgour pledged to tackle the city’s housing challenge by building hundreds of new social homes.

The Leader of the City Council set out a bold vision to meet the growing housing need in Newcastle and called on more funding to deliver on that ambition.

Since outlining that vision council officers have been working hard to lobby Government and draw up plans for building new communities across the city.

And now Cllr Kilgour has revealed a strategy will soon be published to deliver up to 15,000 new homes across the city over the next decade.

This will include 1,500 new council homes for Geordies across the city who are currently on the council housing register.

These homes will prioritise larger family properties and adapted homes for disabled residents, ensuring Newcastle remains an inclusive city for all.

Cllr Kilgour says she has also instructed officers to reduce the number of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) and also cut the volume of empty homes in the city to help create balanced neighbourhoods that foster stability and belonging.

She said the scale of development isn’t just about building homes, it’s about shaping new communities that can deliver better outcomes for residents.

The West Fenham councillor said: “We know how vital it is for people to have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality homes, and this programme will deliver exactly that.

“But it isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it is about looking at what we can knock down and how we can re-build it to shape new communities that work better for residents.

“By investing in council housing, developing more robust infrastructure and working with partners, we will build a Newcastle that works for everyone.”

Council homes will be delivered across the city, with advanced plans already underway for developments in Walker, Elswick, Blakelaw, Forth Yards, and a range of smaller sites.

Thanks to funding from the North East Combined Authority, progress will accelerate, with construction on some schemes expected to begin later this year.

Alongside council housing, around 13,500 new homes will be delivered by private developers, alongside private and social landlords many including affordable housing through planning agreements.

This will help more residents take their first step onto the property ladder or into good quality rented homes and ensure a balanced mix of homes across the city.

The programme reflects a long-term vision to meet the needs of Newcastle’s growing and diverse communities, ensuring the city remains a great place to live for generations to come.

Addressing HMOs and empty properties is central to this vision as a way to ensure homes contribute to strong, sustainable communities. This approach will help reduce transient living patterns and encourage long-term residency, supporting local schools, businesses, and community networks.

The private rented sector, which already serves over 28,000 households, will also benefit. The council aims to see an additional almost 2,000 high-quality homes built for social, affordable or private rent, offering more choice and flexibility for residents.

Cllr Kilgour continued: “Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home. We’re committed to delivering the homes our city and region vitally need – homes that are safe, genuinely affordable, well-designed, and that help tackle the housing crisis head-on, and this programme will deliver exactly that. But it isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about creating places where people can build their lives, connect with neighbours, and feel part of something bigger.

“We need to shape the housing market to better respond to pressures and meet the needs of our growing population. That means the right homes in the right communities, with a mix of tenure for all.”

Further details of these ambitious plans are expected to be presented to the Council’s Cabinet in February.