Forth Yards, Newcastle

Hyas Associates were commissioned by Homes England to facilitate a one-day workshop with the key partners involved in the site known as ‘Forth Yards’, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Forth Yards is a partly derelict, brownfield site on the edge of the city centre, in multiple ownership, but is recognised as holding significant development potential and regeneration opportunities. The purpose of the workshop was to create a vision; set of objectives; and potential new name for the future development. It was agreed that this would be undertaken through an online workshop session with key stakeholders and their representatives.

Hyas’ role was to independently reflect on the planning and masterplanning work undertaken to date; hold discussions with key stakeholders, to gain wider understanding of the site; facilitate a structured and illustrated discussion through the workshop; and arrive at agreed conclusions to assist collaboratively masterplanning and delivery. The workshop involved the use of innovative engagement techniques (such as Menti) to facilitate input from a wide range of participants.

The final report produced by Hyas provided a summary of the key findings of the workshop alongside a vision statement, a set of development objectives and proposals on a potential name for the site as a new place, together with recommendations on next steps towards delivery.