Develop North, a North East property investment firm, has provided a £1.95 million funding facility to support the regeneration of the former Hawthorn Leslie shipyard in Hebburn. The investment allows work to begin on the first phase of the Kelly's Wharf project, which will transform the historic riverside site into a new residential community.
First Homes Underway on Historic Shipyard Site
The initial phase involves the construction of nine executive family homes by North East-based contractor Oakley Homes. These three-storey properties overlook the River Tyne and feature four double bedrooms, a first-floor lounge opening onto a full-width riverside balcony, Porcelanosa kitchens and bathrooms, air source water heating, solar PV panels, dual electric vehicle charging points, and 18-metre gardens extending to the river's edge. The 18-month facility from Develop North enables Hebburn Riverside Development Ltd, the brownfield specialist behind the scheme, to begin construction immediately.
Wider Vision for Kelly's Wharf
Planning consent has been secured for more than 440 homes across future phases, along with commercial space, extensive landscaping, and public realm improvements. Future phases will also include a day nursery, a shop, coffee shop, and cycle shop. Additionally, the historic jetty and open space will be restored, with design nods to vessels built at the former yard, including HMS Kelly, commanded by King Charles' great uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten, during World War II, and SS Tilawa, often referred to as the 'Indian Titanic'. The project will be delivered by a team of North East businesses including local contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
Investment Strategy Supporting Regional Developers
Michelle Percy, chief executive of Develop North PLC, said: "Kelly’s Wharf is exactly the type of development Develop North exists to support. It combines the regeneration of an important brownfield site with the delivery of high-quality new homes, investment into the regional economy and the creation of a lasting legacy for the local community." She added that backing experienced regional developers with a proven track record is central to their investment strategy, and that flexible development finance can help unlock schemes that regenerate challenging sites and accelerate housing delivery.
Developer Ambition for a New Community
Mark Russell, co-director of Hebburn Riverside Development Ltd, said: "We've spent several years bringing Kelly’s Wharf to this point and seeing construction underway is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved. While this first phase delivers nine exceptional riverside homes, its significance goes much further. These homes establish the gateway to Kelly’s Wharf and unlock the future delivery of the wider regeneration." He emphasised their ambition to create a landscape-led riverside community that respects the site's history while delivering high-quality homes. Barry Holmes, co-director, added: "Develop North's support has enabled us to move confidently into construction and establish the quality and character that will define every future phase of Kelly’s Wharf. This investment is about far more than funding the first nine homes. It unlocks the wider regeneration of an iconic riverside site and allows us to begin transforming land that has stood dormant for decades into a thriving new community."
