Bridging NewcastleGatehead, Evaluation of the first phase of the NewcastleGateshead Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder programme
The Brief: Government Office North East asked us to complete a mid term evaluation of their Objective 2 Programme. We used a variety of research techniques and completed an in depth analysis of the programme performance, resulting in a series of key recommendations. We have recently been commissioned to undertake an update of the evaluation.
The company recently evaluated the early operation of the Bridging NewcastleGateshead Housing Market Renewal (HMR) Pathfinder programme, working with colleagues from Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. The need to prepare and submit to Office of the Deputy Prime Minister a Scheme Update setting out proposals for 2006-2010 meant it was necessary to take an early balanced judgment of progress to date and likely progress over the period of the first Prospectus (until March 2006).
Our work with the Pathfinder included an examination of the first Prospectus and an assessment of the progress made towards the strategic objectives, a review of financial and output performance and analysis of the systems used by the Pathfinder to appraise and monitor projects. We also looked in detail at the plans made for the four areas of Newcastle and Gateshead targeted for HMR investment.
The report provided a series on recommendations on aligning strategy and financial investment with other regeneration bodies, developing a framework for investment, improvements to delivery mechanisms and increasing joint working. Since the conclusion of the study, we have provided additional support to bridging NewcastleGateshead on a range of topics, including project appraisal, strategic commissioning and option appraisal.
Sheffield