Vistry agrees deal with Tyne and Wear Fire Service to improve safety

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has agreed a licence with North East regeneration specialist, Vistry Partnerships, for nearly 1.4 acres of unused land adjacent to Tynemouth Community Fire Station.

In a deal that has improved both site and fire safety, Vistry was able to create much improved access to one of its developments in Tynemouth.

Now, rather than construction traffic using Stanton Road to reach the site, it will instead use Preston North Road – allaying fears of traffic safety and parking issues on the neighbouring residential streets.

The proceeds from the deal are welcome income for Tyne and Wear Fire Service, which has seen significant cuts over the past decade.

The extra funds will help support the station’s wider programme of investment.

The Vistry Partnerships development next to Stanton Road in Tynemouth is a 64-apartment Extra Care facility for Housing 21 and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

It is designed to help older people live independently, in their own homes, for longer, through the provision of onsite care, which can be called upon when necessary.

Andrew Rennie, development director with Vistry Partnerships North East, said: “By agreeing this licence, we have found a solution to unlock and regenerate a technically challenging site that has been dormant for many years.

“In partnership with Housing 21, we are creating a scheme which will enhance community facilities, with the grounds and amenities being open for use to the local neighbourhood residents.

“We listened to local residents’ concerns and are glad that we could find an alternative, more suitable access point to the site and that the outlay required to make it happen, is to be re-invested into the local community – through a range of fire safety initiatives.”

Assistant chief fire officer John Baines added: “As a highly performing fire and rescue service, we are proud of our service to the community and excellent reputation for the safety of our firefighters.

“Our track record hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly following significant cuts over the past decade and funding uncertainty beyond the next 12 months.

“This income will help to support our wider investment programme, which includes new operational fire appliances and equipment, protective clothing and investment in technology.”

The Tynemouth development is one of 14 live Vistry Partnerships North East sites, which will create more than 1300 new homes of varying types and tenures across the region.