East Area Community and Neighbourhoods Analysis
Purpose
Communities and neighbourhoods analysis will help inform the ongoing review of
Community Centres in Gateshead, setting out a detailed assessment of local
community building provision, and how local Centres will contribute to the network of
community facilities across Gateshead. The analysis provides a baseline to inform:
i)
ii)
Community Centre review Phase 3.
Future Council spending proposals and related Comprehensive Impact
Assessments.
Area context
The east area comprises four wards; Pelaw and Heworth, Windy Nook and Whitehills,
Felling and Wardley and Leam Lane.
Historically large parts of the east were developed to support commerce and industry
within the area; housing was also developed in close proximity to these areas.
The land adjacent to the riverside was the location for numerous industries, largely
chemical works and also transportation points for exportation of natural materials.
Coupled with the railway that runs west to east across the area the steep topography to
the south of the area enabled the riverside to be an important transportation route for
the various mines and quarries that occupied parts of the area.
In recent times the creation of the felling by pass and metro system ensures effective
public transportation movement.
The Neighbourhood Management Area has three retail centres within that serve all four
wards. The retail centre at Pelaw is located adjacent to the metro system and attracts
residents from South Tyneside neighbourhoods as well as those in other parts of the
East.
Fewster Square in Leam Lane has undergone refurbishment to the public square along
with the creation of a new dental surgery. The retail centre also has a Gateshead @
facility, services and facilities include a community centre, children’s centre, library and
housing office. Bus services for this retail centre link numerous communities in the
wider east area and also parts of South Tyneside. Felling retail centre will soon
undergo regeneration with a new supermarket and retail units within the area; this is
scheduled to be completed in 2015. Additional retail centres at Wrekenton and Trinity
Square ensure that residents in the east have additional centres and services to access.
Within the East NMA two comprehensive schools have undergone regeneration via
Building Schools for the Future. Housing provision is designated for areas such as
Brandling Flowershow Field estate (Felling), Stephenson Terrace (Felling) and the
former swimming pool site at Fewster Square (Wardley and Leam Lane).
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Further investment in Felling is scheduled to be developed in partnership with ISOS
Housing via its community fund. Alcohol issues will be considered in the coming months
with the creation of a Community Alcohol Partnership that will bring numerous partners
together to consider and commission work to target residents living within the East area.
Community Infrastructure varies throughout the area in terms of its purpose, size and
number, Appendix 1 provides a map of the area with relevant community infrastructure
plotted to help inform the area analysis. Appendix 2 offers an East Area profile of relevant
supporting data by ward. This is supplemented by further analysis by ward.
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Felling Ward
Within Felling Ward lies some of the main transportation infrastructure in the form of
the Felling Bypass, Tyne and Wear Metro and railway. The railway and heavy
industry influenced the development of the area with the creation of communities that
were located within close proximity to places of work. Topography is also another
predominate feature within the ward.
In terms of community infrastructure Felling Ward is home to Gateshead
International Stadium and Gateshead Colleges Academy for Sport. Within the ward
there are a number of community facilities, which includes a number of facilities in
council ownership that are managed by community organisations. Additionally there
are number of facilities managed by churches and community organisations that not
only offer rooms and space but also deliver community kitchen projects, youth work
and detached work.
Historically the ward also had three community houses within the Nest, Felling
House and Stoneygate estates. The facilities closed due to lack of community
interest to manage and develop the facilities, the facility within the Nest Estate was
converted back to a residential property. The Felling House community facility was
demolished as part of the regeneration programme for the Felling House Estate.
Regeneration within the Felling Ward has focused on the Felling by pass corridor.
New housing has been built near to Gateshead Stadium and also at Friars Goose.
Further regeneration is planned for the Flowershow Field Site within the Brandling
estate. Regeneration of the retail centre is scheduled for completion in 2015.
Data:
Felling ward has a population1 of 8908, based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation
(IMD 2010) almost two thirds of people in Felling Ward live within the most deprived 2
10% in England. Additionally a further fifth live in the most 20% deprived. Felling has
the highest proportion of children in poverty3 of all wards in Gateshead at 45%. The
ward also has the highest rates in Gateshead for unemployment4 and youth
unemployment5 at rates of 11% and 12% respectively (JSA Claimants). Overall
deprivation is particularly prevalent in North Felling, Old Fold, Sunderland Road and
Falla Park. A number of other neighbourhoods are affected by a smaller number of
deprivation indicators.
Based on IMD 2010 data the Ward has slightly higher levels of crime6 than the
Gateshead average for All Crimes (21%) and Anti Social Behaviour (22%).
Education:
Felling exhibits the lowest ward performance in Gateshead for attainment of 5+
GCSEs (grades A*-C)7, 59% compared to a Gateshead average of 80% and shows
that a third of students attain 5+ GCSE’s including Maths and English to A-C
standard (33%) .Children with special educational need8 is highest in the borough
within Felling Ward (28%).
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Health:
Life expectancy9 for both males and females is significantly lower than the
Gateshead average. Male life expectancy is five years less than the Gateshead
average and Female life expectancy is six years below the Gateshead average.
The Felling Ward has significantly higher levels of smoking adults10 (38%) when
compared to the Gateshead average (26%), more adults binge drink 10 in Felling
(37% compared to 33% for Gateshead) and less eat healthily10 (26% compared to
29%). Adult obesity10 is higher than the Gateshead average (20% compared to
17%).
Community Facilities
Felling benefits from a wide range of community infrastructure. There are a number
of independent facilities for hire including community spaces at House on the Hill,
Holy Trinity Church and Felling Methodist Church. Local Social Clubs add further
available community space, particularly for social activity. Additionally there is
potential space within the Gateshead Stadium and Gateshead College sites. The
Council also supports a number of other facilities and offers detached youth work
within the ward. Christ Church in Felling undertakes street work in engaging local
people particularly on Felling High Street at weekends periodically throughout the
year. The recently created community kitchen project attracts significant numbers of
residents from the Felling area.
Brandling Community Centre
Brandling Community Centre is a facility that has been in existence since 1975. The
facility has recently been asset transferred to the Fighting Chance Boxing Club. The
centre is currently undergoing renovation work to the building. The centre has a
number of rooms and spaces available for community organisations to hire.
The building comprises of a main hall, kitchen, and smaller spaces as well as
changing rooms. Adjacent to the building are allotments and a car park that serves
both centre and allotment users.
The adjacent Flowershow Field Estate is designated for regeneration within the Joint
Venture Vehicle. The development is likely to create 280 properties, commencing
approximately in 2018 with a completion timescale of approximately ten years.
Current profile
 Comprises a large community space, lounge/multi purpose space, kitchen, IT
suite.
 Is located in North Felling within the Joint Venture programme for future housing
regeneration.
 The boxing club and council have an agreement in place that ensures up to 16
hours service provision usage per week.
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Felling Crowhall Towers Community Centre forms part of the Felling Crowhall
Towers development which includes 88 properties, a public house and the
community centre. The centre is partly located underneath the tower block. The
overall development is located in the high footfall area of Felling High Street and is
directly opposite the forthcoming retail centre regeneration development.
The facility was built between 1965-1969 and is partly located underground due to
the steep topography of the area. The facility consists of a large community space,
kitchen and numerous smaller multi purpose rooms. The facility is directly
maintained by the council.
The Council’s nominees on the committee are Councillor Paul McNally and
Councillor Sonya Dickie.
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Current profile:
The organisation has charitable status and the centre is managed by a
committee.
Located in a high footfall area of Felling adjacent to the retail regeneration area.
The centre attracts a number of community groups to the building catering for
people of various ages and activities.
Dancing groups and dance related activities are popular and attract residents of
various ages, from young people dance classes to older people social activity.
Gateshead International Stadium is located on the edge of the ward. The complex
has a gymnasium, 3G sports facilities, grass pitches, cafeteria and a range of
bookable spaces for community/leisure use. Gateshead College Academy for Sport
is located alongside the site; the academy site is a centre for sports education and
performance development attracting students and users from various parts of
Gateshead and beyond.
Felling HUB is situated within the ward on Felling High Street. This building offers a
wide range services, including:
 Early years and associated health activity
 Felling housing office
 Felling library
Rooms within the facility are available for hire and can be booked for community use
when available.
Thomas Hepburn Comprehensive School is located on the border of the ward and
provides Adult Education classes and opportunities for Family Learning. Parts of the
school are available for wider community use including dance hall, sports hall,
community room and community kitchen. In addition, a number of primary schools
have space within their buildings that is potentially available for community usage.
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Pelaw and Heworth Ward
Similar to Felling Ward, Pelaw and Heworth has excellent transport links via the
Tyne and Wear Metro and Felling by Pass. The ward comprises of distinct
neighbourhoods, some of which are determined by the built environment, in
particular the metro/railway line and by pass. Additionally there are historic
neighbourhoods within the ward, particularly within the Heworth, Pelaw and Bill Quay
areas.
The ward has a sustainable retail centre in Pelaw and also an award winning park
and open space which includes a green gym and bowling facility; adjacent to the
park area is Bill Quay Community Farm.
The Bill Quay part of the ward has most of the long standing community groups and
infrastructure, including Bill Quay Methodist church community space and also
Pelaw Hertfordshire House which dates back to the 1950’s. Bill Quay Cricket Club is
another long standing community organisation. The management committee for
Pelaw Youth centre has been in existence since the 1980s. The residents of Wood
Green have been responsible for the creation and development of their play area
since the 1990’s and in more recent times are responsible for the usage and
development of their green gym facility. The group also develop the usage of the
community lounge located adjacent to the green gym.
Within Heworth community facilities are available via two independent community
organisations. Heworth St Marys Community Centre is located within the grounds of
Heworth Church and is actively supporting the development of the facility.
Edberts House in High Lanes has received recognition for the community
development approach that they have adopted since its inception, the affect that this
approach has generated within the community along with the work that they are
developing as part of their next stage in their development.
Data:
Pelaw and Heworth Ward has a population1 of 9100. Although none of the Ward
falls within the most 10% deprived of areas in England in terms of deprivation over a
third of its population live within the most deprived 20%2. Notable areas include
Heworth Grange and High Heworth that are within this overall deprivation indicator.
Male life expectancy9 in Pelaw and Heworth is slightly above average at 78
compared with the Gateshead average of 76. Female life expectancy is slightly
below average at 80 compared with 81 for Gateshead.
The proportion of obese children11 in reception class has grown to 18%, the highest
in Gateshead, which compares with a Gateshead average of 10%. Obesity in year 6,
however, is only just over the average at 23% compared with 22% for Gateshead.
The ward is lower than the Gateshead average for All Crime6 (8%) but also
experiences lower ASB than the Gateshead average for anti social behaviour (12%).
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Income:
The ward has slightly lower income12 than the borough average; in addition 20% of
the ward’s children are in poverty3.
Employment:
Within the ward High Heworth is within the most 10% deprived areas for
employment2.
Crime:
Heworth Grange is within the 10% most deprived areas with regards to crime 2.
Education:
Residents attain 5+ GCSEs (grades A*-C)7 including English and maths which at
46% is lower in comparison to the Gateshead average of 51%. Data shows slightly
better performance for those passing 5+ GCSE’s (79%); however this also is below
the borough average.
Health:
Within the ward High Heworth is within the most 10% deprived areas for health 2.
Male residents in the ward have slightly higher life expectancy9 (78) than the
Gateshead average (76) whereas females (80) have slightly lower than the
Gateshead average for females (81). Fewer adults binge drink10 (26% compared to
33% for Gateshead). Adult obesity10 is higher than the Gateshead average (20%
compared to 17%) with more residents in Pelaw and Heworth have limiting long term
illness1 in comparison to the Gateshead average (25% compared to 24% for
Gateshead).
Pelaw
Pelaw benefits from a number of community facilities.
Pelaw Hertfordshire House is an independently managed facility, managed by the
Pelaw Hertfordshire House Association which has been in existence since 1952. The
facility was gifted to the people of Pelaw by a charitable organisation with its origins
in Hertfordshire. All three ward Pelaw and Heworth councillors are represented on
the committee.
Current profile:
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Comprises a hall, café/kitchen area, meeting rooms and an office space.
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Located adjacent to the community centre is a changing facility which the
council manages as part of a 99 year lease agreement on this part of the
building.
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The charity also owns an allotment space and a number of garages.
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The centre has a strong Association with a committee comprising of local
residents.
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The Association would like to see the changing rooms developed for a greater
community benefit, are currently in discussions with the council regarding the
potential redevelopment of the space in partnership with the council.
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The charity employs and manages a caretaker/cleaner.
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Meets Vision 2030 priorities around health, volunteering and creativity and
sustainability.
Pelaw Youth Centre is a former church building and is independently managed by
the Pelaw Centre for Youth Activities that was formed in 1984. The organisation
members are trustees of the building. The committee comprises of residents and
elected members from both Felling and Heworth Ward.
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The centre comprises two halls, café/kitchen area, meeting room space, office
space and an IT suite.
Located adjacent to the Shields Road main thoroughfare.
Additionally there are a number of other community buildings in the ward.
Bill Quay Church, a church building with space designated for community activity.
The community space houses various activities including mother and toddlers
groups and small community events.
Bill Quay Cricket Club provides cricket activity for residents of various ages but
also hires out the cricket ground and the club house for community activities and
large scale community events.
Heworth St Mary’s Church Community Facility is a well established community
centre and has been in existence since the 1960s. Located adjacent to the Felling By
Pass and to the rear of the church the committee rents space to numerous
organisations ranging from dance groups to health and lifestyle organisations.
The centre is completely independent from the council and has close links to church
management structures. They are currently in the process of completing works to the
building, including window and doors replacements and are considering funding
opportunities to develop the centre further.
Edberts House is located on High Lanes estate. The charity has a lease from the
Council. The charity has a substantial board of directors and have a steering group
to develop residents into future members of the board.
The charity employs two staff and is currently devising projects to develop and widen
the work they undertake.
Heworth Grange Comprehensive School is located in the ward and provides
space for community groups and organisations, in particular the hiring of sport
facilities. The school has aspirations to develop the community usage of the new
theatre space.
In addition, a number of primary schools have space within their buildings that is
potentially available for community usage.
Heworth Leisure Centre is located adjacent to the High Lanes Estate and opposite
the redeveloped Heworth Grange School. The facility has a studio space that is
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available for hire and would suit various health activites. Additionally the centre is
home to Leam Lane Boxing Club.
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Wardley and Leam Lane Ward
Wardley and Leam Lane shares many characteristics of the other wards in the
East, the area has strong links to coal mining and heavy industry. In addition
the ward has a number of prominent transport routes, including the Tyne and
Wear Metro and railway, Felling by Pass and the A194M. The transport routes
create a number of boundaries between neighbourhoods and communities.
Located within the ward is Leam Lane Estate, which at one time was the
largest social housing development in Europe.
In terms of community infrastructure the ward also has a prominent retail
centre at Fewster Square, a substantial park and green space in the form of
Oliver Henderson Park, a multi purpose facility at Gateshead @ Leam Lane
and a number of community facilities owned and managed by church
organisations in close proximity to Fewster Square. Priory Court also has
space that can be potentially used for community activity. Lingey House
School has potential to have community space as part of its redevelopment
and White Mere Primary has developed its offer through the creation of
nursery provision for the area.
Strategic Needs Assessment
Demographics:
Wardley and Leam Lane ward has a population1 of 8327 (Census 2011). The
Ward has a large BME population1 which is almost 3.5 times the Gateshead
average.
Crime and ASB6 is low in the ward compared to the Gateshead average. Total
crime is 8 per 1,000 population, compared with 13 for Gateshead. The ASB
rate is 11 per 1,000 population compared with 16 for Gateshead.
Deprivation:
The IMD 2010 indicates that in terms of overall deprivation2, none of Wardley
and Leam Lane is within the 10% of most deprived communities, however
Central Leam Lane and Oliver Henderson Park sit within the 20% most
deprived areas in England.
Central Leam Lane falls within the 10% most deprived2 for numerous themes.
Crime:
The ward is well below the Gateshead average for All Crime and ASB 6.
Income:
Central Leam Lane is within the top 20% most deprived2 communities for this
theme.
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Employment:
Central Leam Lane is within the top 10% most deprived2 communities for this
theme.
There are fewer people unemployed4 in the ward, 4.5% compared to 5.2% for
Gateshead.
Education:
Central Leam Lane is within the top 10% most deprived2 communities for this
theme.
Residents within the ward attain 5+ GCSEs (grades A*-C)7 at a much higher
level than the Gateshead average, 85% compared to a Gateshead average of
80%, the ward also shows good performance for those attaining 5+ GCSEs
(grades A*-C) with Maths and English (57% compared with the Gateshead
average of 51%).
Health:
Central Leam Lane is within the top 10% most deprived2 communities for this
theme.
In terms of Ward data child obesity11 at reception class is equivalent to the
Gateshead average (10%) and at year 6 is the lowest ward across the
borough (13%).
Adult rates for smoking10 (21%) and binge drinking10 (29%) are both below the
Gateshead average. Healthy eating adults10 (30%) and obesity in adults10
(19%) are both above the Gateshead average.
Male life expectancy9 in the ward is three years higher than the borough
average at 79 years, but females live one year less than the Gateshead
average at 80 years.
Leam Lane Community Centre is a well used community centre that forms
part of the Gateshead@Leam Lane facility at Fewster Square. The
organisation was originally formed in 1962. The committee comprises of local
residents and users of the centre. The centre has some of the highest footfall
for community centre access in the east.
The Council’s nominees on the committee are Councillor Linda Green and
Councillor Peter Mole.
Current profile:
 The centre forms part of the Gateshead@Leam Lane development
that includes library, children’s centre and TGHC housing office.
 The community centre comprises a main hall, a multi purpose space
and kitchen.
 The facility is well used by local groups and the charity has aspirations
to use the building outside of core hours for the Gateshead@ facility.
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Whilst car parking is limited outside the building there are a number of
other car parks nearby.
The building has an excellent location adjacent to the retail centre,
school, churches and bus stops.
The group will in coming months identify capacity building support in
order to be fully independent.
Leam Lane Bowling Club Pavilion is located within Oliver Henderson Park,
its primary purpose is as a facility to be used by Bowling Clubs for club
members to use. The club have also invested in monies to purchase
equipment to work with younger people and the nearby Lingey House Primary
School.
Leam Lane Methodist Church and St Andrews are both located in close
proximity of Fewster Square, both facilities offer space for activity of varying
sizes. Both churches have activities for the local community to attend from
children and summer activities, celebratory events through to entertainment
nights and health and lifestyle activities for adults.
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Windy Nook and Whitehills Ward
Located at the highest point within the East area Windy Nook and Whitehills has
many links to the industrial past, unlike the other wards the area does not contain
some of the same transport infrastructure of the other three wards in the East.
However the Ward is well served via public transport that links the Ward to
Gateshead, Newcastle, Felling and Leam Lane in particular.
In terms of deprivation 13% of the area is within the 10% most deprived in England
and half is within the most 20% deprived.
In terms of community infrastructure, community facilities are owned and managed
by church organisations and community organisations. In addition Thomas Hepburn
Comprehensive has an extensive community facility within the school grounds. In
Windy Nook there are two churches that manage community space. The Gateshead
Housing Company manage a communal lounge within the Windy Nook area.
The ward also has extensive green space in the form of Windy Nook Nature Park
and Albion Street Playing Fields. Primary Schools also have community space
available for the community to use, however this is subject to availability and staffing.
Demographics:
Windy Nook and Whitehills ward has a population1 of 9781 (Census 2011).
Deprivation:
The IMD 2010 indicates that in terms of overall deprivation 2, Staneway is within the
10% most deprived whilst Windy Nook East, West Leam and Central Leam Lane fall
within the 20% most deprived.
Crime:
Crime6 is low in the ward compared to the Gateshead average. Total crime is 9 per
1,000 population, compared with 13 for Gateshead. The ASB rate is the same as the
Gateshead average at 16 per 1,000 population.
Income:
Staneway, Windy Nook East and Central Leam Lane are within the top 20% most
deprived2 communities for this theme. Windy Nook and Whitehills ward has a child
poverty3 rate of 25% compared to a Gateshead figure of 23%.
Employment:
Staneway, Windy Nook East and Central Leam Lane are within the top 10% most
deprived2 communities for this theme. Whereas Leam Lane West and Windy Nook
are within the most 20% deprived for this theme.
Residents within the ward attain 5+ GCSEs (grades A*-C)7 at 74% which is lower
than the Gateshead average of 80%. Residents within the ward attaining 5+ GCSEs
(grades A*-C) with Maths and English is higher than the Gateshead average (53%
compared with the Gateshead average of 51%).
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Health:
The ward has higher levels of adults that smoke10, 30% as compared with the
Gateshead average of 26%. 38% binge drink10 in comparison to 33% for Gateshead.
Male life expectancy9 in the ward is one year higher than the borough average at 77
years, but females live one year less than the Gateshead average at 80 years.
Thomas Hepburn Comprehensive School is located on the border of the ward and
provides Adult Education classes and opportunities for Family Learning. Parts of the
school are available for wider community use including dance hall, sports hall,
community room and community kitchen. In addition, a number of primary schools
have space within their buildings that is potentially available for community usage.
Activities are being developed in the building for residents to attend that links the
community to the school, the facility has a worker attached to the community
facilities. Felling Magpies have now started to deliver some of their work from the
facility. In addition, a number of primary schools have space within their buildings
that is potentially available for community usage.
Leam Rangers Football Club is located in the Staneway area of the Ward. The
organisation manages land on lease from the council. The organisation has a
membership of 300 young people from the local area and over the years have
developed a number of assets, including: two grass football pitches, fully furbished
clubhouse with bar, kitchen and changing facilities and a recently installed new small
sided artificial turf pitch. The site has suitable space to allow the club to consider
future developments or extension of facilities if the club continues to grow.
Hill Top Primary School is located adjacent to Leam Rangers Football Club, the
school has aspirations to develop community space and a community offer as part of
its redevelopment of the facility.
Windy Nook Methodist Church is located in the Windy Nook part of the Ward, the
church have undertook extensive refurbishment on the building, including the hall
and adjacent rooms, this includes double glazed windows, heating and lighting along
with insulation – all rooms available for community use.
St Albans Church Hall is located in the same vicinity, it is a large community facility
owned and managed by the church which serves both Windy Nook and Carr Hill
neighbourhoods.
Leam Lane Community Centre is a well used community centre that is located on
the border of Windy nook and Whitehills and forms part of the Gateshead@Leam
Lane facility at Fewster Square. The organisation was originally formed in 1962. The
committee comprises of local residents and users of the centre. The centre is council
owned and has some of the highest footfall for community centre access in the east.
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Appendix 1
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Appendix 2
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Appendix 3
Source:
1
ONS, Census 2011
DCLG, 2010
3 HMRC, 2011
4 DWP, February 2014 (JSA claimants as a proportion of the working age population who are economically active)
5 DWP, February 2014 (18-24 year olds claiming JSA as a proportion of all 16-24 year olds)
6 Northumbria Police, March 2013
7 DfE, 2010/11
8 DfE/Gateshead Council PLASC, 2011
9 Public Health England, 2008-10
10 NHS SOTW Lifestyle Survey, 2012
11 National Child Measurement Programme, Public Health England, 2010/11
12 Acxiom, 2012
2
Version Control
Last updated
October 2013
January 2014
March 2014
Changes made
First version published on website
Amendments / updates made to all ward summaries
Updated ward unemployment and child poverty figures
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