Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire

Pathfinder: Gateway

Introduction

Gateway's intervention area covers the whole of the city of Hull (115,000 properties), which saw a population decline of seven per cent between 1991 and 2001. With high numbers of empty properties, low house prices and a lack of choice (53 per cent of the city's housing stock is terraced and 71 per cent is in council tax band A), the city is an area of acute housing market failure.

The East Riding of Yorkshire, which surrounds the city, is included as part of the partnership, because its role is integral to improving the economy within the housing market area and reducing the population drift from the city by managing the release of land for new housing.

Since receiving its first grant in June 2005, the pathfinder has kick-started the housing market renewal programme in five priority areas, bringing forward the first phases of replacement housing and achieving over 80 per cent resident support for the next stages of housing renewal.

Case study

Newington and St. Andrew's - a community waiting for change

A clear strategy for local resident and stakeholder involvement is turning a largely sceptical and frustrated community in Newington and St. Andrew's into one that understands what is planned and is actively involved in shaping the future.

Faced with a community losing faith in regeneration proposals following six years of consultation (during which period they saw little change on the ground), Gateway and its partners established a Transitional Neighbourhoods Initiative (TNI) in 2004.

It was essential that Gateway re-engage residents and stakeholders and win their trust and support for the regeneration proposals. Two years on, significant progress had been made.

The appointment of eight local volunteers as resident consultants was central to the success of the TNI. These men and women, all with a common commitment to their community, are now actively part of the decision making that is starting to deliver change.

As members of a neighbourhood renewal steering group and a neighbourhood management panel, the consultants help to shape future plans and identify priority projects, such as action to tackle anti-social behaviour.

A community video has also helped to empower residents to voice their opinions. Training in video techniques enabled residents to make A community waiting for change - a film setting out the problems they face, what they want to see happen and the need for urgency.

Picture of residents of Newington and St. Andrew's

Picture: Residents of the Newington and St. Andrew's community.

Today more people have a voice through clearly established channels. Residents not only feel more empowered, they are more empowered. They have a greater understanding of the regeneration process and are positively engaged in it - earlier this year 84 per cent of residents surveyed in Newington and St. Andrew's said they agreed with Gateway's plans for their area.

The TNI project is a collaborative, joint funded venture between Hull City Council, Gateway, Hull Citybuild, the Housing Corporation and Places for People Group.