Taylor Wimpey, now under contract following a competitive procurement process, will deliver a high-quality residential scheme comprising around 250 new homes. Of these, approximately 38 will be affordable homes, to be acquired by Gateshead Council, and made available through a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership tenures.
The redevelopment marks a major step forward for the Clasper Village site, which has remained vacant since the original estate was demolished in 2018. The site’s regeneration has been in discussion for more than a decade, after Gateshead Council first announced plans in 2011 to replace the estate with modern housing. The North East Combined Authority are also supporting the project having awarded grant funding towards site preparation works which Taylor Wimpey will also deliver.
An earlier development proposal for nearly 200 homes was paused in 2022 due to rising costs, but the Council remained committed to seeing the project through. With Taylor Wimpey now appointed, and a development agreement in place, the scheme is firmly back on track. A planning application has now been submitted, with construction works targeted to begin in 2026.
DWF worked in partnership with Gateshead Council, Taylor Wimpey and their legal advisors Gowling WLG, throughout the procurement and legal contracting process, supporting the Council’s ambition to deliver transformative regeneration in the area.
The DWF team was led by Lee Pickett, partner and co-lead of regeneration & development (public sector), with senior associate Matthew Johnson and associate Andrew Foster working alongside him. Public subsidy advice was provided by partner and head of government & public sector, Jonathan Branton and construction law advice by partner Jonathan Gaskell.
Lee Pickett said: "We’re proud to have advised Gateshead Council on this landmark development, which will bring high-quality, sustainable housing to a site that has been at the heart of the local community for decades. This milestone reflects the Council’s perseverance and vision for long-term regeneration. Taylor Wimpey’s proposals demonstrate a strong commitment to place-making, affordability and community benefit."
Luke Wrigley, Acting Housing Growth and Development Manager at Gateshead Council, commented: Exchanging Contracts with Taylor Wimpey represents a major milestone for the regeneration of the Clasper Village site. This project has been a long-standing ambition of the Council, and we’re delighted to now see it moving forwards at pace. DWF’s expertise and support throughout the procurement and contracting process has been invaluable in helping us secure a partner capable of delivering high-quality homes, and real long-term benefit for our communities.
