Hull in print

A major new initiative that could attract millions of pounds into Hull to improve local neighbourhoods has been officially launched with a major public consultation programme across the city. Hull has been selected as one of just nine 'housing market renewal Pathfinders' in the country.

A local partnership has been created to lead the city's response to the Government for a detailed 10 to 15 year plan for action and investment to 'reinvigorate the housing market and breathe new life into the area'. The local Pathfinder partnership has revealed that it will be called Gateway - a name selected by its board members to represent the responsible task it faces of successfully unlocking the 'gate' on the pathway to this unique funding opportunity.

The Gateway' chairman, Stuart Whyte, says he and his team welcome the challenge to tackle housing market renewal through a wide range of innovative new programmes, in partnership with local communities, organisations, agencies and council departments. "We are on course to complete a detailed appraisal of the problems we need to tackle to make a real and lasting impact throughout the lifetime of this programme. I welcome the opportunity we have been given to work with our partners to help tackle the underlying causes of housing market failure."

Three sets of consultants have already been appointed to fast-track the creation of Area Development Frameworks for West, North and East Hull that will form the basis of the Gateway submission to Government this autumn. Initial funds could be released as early as next year. Public consultations took place at a series of exhibitions and drop-ins in late June and early July. Further events are planned for September as proposals are prepared for submission to the Government.

Comments demonstrated resident's desire to see neighbourhoods strengthened through a wide range of improvements, not only to the types and quality of homes available, but also to the local environment, services and facilities. The Gateway partners, including Hull City Council, recognise that this will require a substantial new house building programme to deliver the right types of housing in the right places to meet the demand indicated through research and consultations with residents.

In July, developers were invited to the city to be briefed on these opportunities and to express their interest to work with the Gateway and Hull City Council in building new properties in the city. "Market renewal is more that just about bricks and mortar. We are looking to transform this area; we will be working in partnership with a number of stakeholders and it's not just about housing but all the pieces of the jigsaw that go to make a place where people want to live and stay," said Coun Steven Bayes, a Gateway Board member and Hull's Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal portfolio holder.

The Gateway aims to achieve housing market renewal by creating and sustaining neighbourhoods where people are proud to live. Said Gateway interim director Hardial Bhogal: "This is the most significant regeneration funding package that has ever been on offer to this area. "We could be looking at significant resources over the next 15-years. Leverage from other public and private sources could considerably add to this overall injection of external funding." The Gateway vision The creation of sustainable communities within the sub-region through regeneration and housing market renewal in Hull.

Lasting solutions, creating places where people want to live and will continue to want to live. A better quality of life for everyone in Kingston upon Hull and the surrounding area. Housing growth and renewal that meets the housing needs of the entire community. The maintenance, continued prosperity and social well being of sustainable communities within Hull and the East Riding. Celebrate the interdependencies and strengths within the city-region

For more information visit the new Gateway website at: www.gatewaypathfinder.net


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