Twenty large family homes for Gateshead Orthodox Jews will be built if the plans of a public-private partnership get the green light.

The proposal is part of a wider initiative to build 58 affordable properties on land which has stood empty for almost a decade because of potential redevelopment costs.

The Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP) wants to use profits from the construction and private sale of around 50 houses elsewhere in the borough to part-fund the project in Hyde Park Street.

GRP comprises Gateshead Council, construction and regeneration specialist Vistry Partnerships North East and affordable housing provider Home Group.

Plans have been developed in conjunction with Homes England, Adler Housing — a registered provider of social housing under the Jewish Community Council of Gateshead — and the Agudas Israel Housing Association.

A planning application is being prepared for the development of two- to five-bedroom homes on the site of the former Hookergate School in High Spen, the profits from which would subsidise the Hyde Park Street project.

Home Group would offer 38 of these properties for affordable rent and Adler and Agudas Israel would take the 20 specially designed homes for Jewish residents. They will be big enough to accommodate extended families and have features including kosher kitchens and a room with a succah.

Agudas Israel CEO Chaya Spitz said the “carefully planned scheme” was the result of years of working with the GRP and the local Jewish community. It would be the organisation’s first project in the North-East.

Adler Housing chair Eli Halberstadt was excited by the prospect of providing “high quality, bespoke housing with ample living space for families. We are especially pleased to partner with Agudas Israel on this project.”

Gateshead Council leader Councillor Martin Gannon welcomed the potential provision of “much needed high quality housing in the area. I’m delighted that Gateshead Council is playing a positive role.”