Massive Confidence in Scheme
Over 200 architects are competing to design the first homes to be built on Tees Valley Unlimited's North Shore development in Stockton.
The huge interest from architectural firms from across the globe includes some of the biggest names in contemporary design and is the latest milestone for the project now with massive international interest.
Developers Urban Splash and Muse Developments launched the 'Make me a Home' competition in September in conjunction with Building Design Magazine and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Architects were invited to design a new type of family housing for the £300 million scheme and have been encouraged to break convention and bring something new to suburban housing.
It is anticipated that at least 250 family homes will eventually stand on North Shore's waterfront location. To date, the site has already benefited from £18 million of investment and detailed planning permission will be sought next year.
Simon Gawthorpe, managing director at Urban Splash explained; "The industry hasn't ever really moved away from the traditional family home - they've remained relatively unchanged in recent years. When we launched the competition we asked that designs were practical yet cutting edge to compliment our masterplan for North Shore."
Joe Docherty, added; "The sheer scale of interest in the competition shows a great respect throughout the industry for our developers, Urban Splash and Muse Developments, and a genuine confidence in the North Shore scheme. I believe that we will find the top class design that represents the ambitions of Stockton and the ideal new home for the families who live there."
Shortlisted entries will be on public display in February at a venue to be confirmed. The winner will be announced in spring 2009.