Council housing centenary celebration

The City Library will be home to the “From homes fit for heroes to homes of the future” exhibition from 31 July.  The exhibition will reflect on the challenges and success of council housing in Newcastle over the last 100 years, showcase the council homes of today and provide a glimpse into council housing of the future. 

It will be enhanced by a trail of “Building homes and creating communities” satellite exhibitions in locations around the city.  These displays will use memories, images and interactive activities to tell the story of what council housing means to people and communities in areas like Byker, Fawdon, Newbiggin Hall and Scotswood.

The celebrations, which are being delivered with help from residents, community groups, Your Homes Newcastle and Newcastle and Northumbria Universities and with support and sponsorship from businesses including Tolent, IDPartnership, Keepmoat and Ryders, will also include talks, films and interactive community events and activities. 

Councillor Linda Hobson, Cabinet Member for Housing at Newcastle City Council said “Council housing in Newcastle has a fascinating history and a bright future.  It isn’t just about building homes but about creating communities where people can live, raise families and grow older in an environment where they feel comfortable and secure. 

“Almost a quarter of our residents choose to live in a council home so what better way is there of recognising the contribution council housing makes in our city than by celebrating the centenary of the Addison Act without which it may never have existed.”