Housing blight fear as bid to transform city loses funding

AXING a regeneration scheme could see blight return in some of the poorest parts of Hull, according to a new report.

The Gateway scheme was set up to regenerate parts of the city by demolishing old housing, building new homes and refurbishing others.

But it fell victim to the Government’s cuts and funding is due to run out this April, although its backers are trying to get finance from other sources.

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A report by the Audit Commission says Gateway underperformed in terms of the number of homes built – 377 compared to a target of 568 – but met or exceeded other targets, including improving 1,382 properties and demolishing more than 1,100 properties. So far it has cost the public £149m and attracted £21.7m from the private sector – a lower figure of private investment than in other parts of the country.

However its backers argue that another £8m of public investment from the Regional Growth Fund will tip the balance, bringing in £120m over the next 13 years.

The report highlights St Andrews Square, the new development on Woodcock Street, as being a particular success story. A decade ago, 75 per cent of homes had been left empty or abandoned.

However, it says funding cuts means many homes in the city will “remain in poor condition for longer” and “there is a risk of a return to market failure in some areas”, with Preston Road most at risk.

Gateway has secured some funding towards helping people move from clearance zones. A spokeswoman said the result of the RGF bid should be known within the month.

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