Homes England has launched a preliminary market engagement exercise to secure a long-term private-sector delivery partner for a £950m redevelopment scheme in Newcastle upon Tyne.
The Forth Yards project spans 21 hectares of underused land west of Newcastle Central station. The site, identified as a key priority in the North East Devolution Deal, is expected to deliver around 2,500 homes and 15,000 square metres of commercial space.
The government’s housing agency is leading the procurement on behalf of a partnership that includes Newcastle City Council, the North East Combined Authority and Network Rail. Network Rail owns the Forth Goods Yards, while Homes England acquired the central Quayside West site in 2024.
The first phase centres on Quayside West, with capacity for about 1,100 homes. Homes England said additional acquisitions could increase this to around 2,500.
The partner will also act as development manager for enabling and infrastructure works on Quayside West, funded directly by Homes England. The North East Combined Authority has committed to fund early works to widen the main access road to the wider site.
Homes England said it had engaged with the market over the past 18 months, including at events such as MIPIM and UKREiiF, to inform its approach. It will prioritise placemaking expertise, long-term investment capability, and a willingness to share delivery risk.
The 15-year contract is expected to run from June 2026 to May 2036, with a possible five-year extension.
Interested parties must register their interest by 12 May. A contract notice is due to be published on 31 July.
Source: Gov.uk Find a Tender