The Byker community are set to benefit from a suite of new community hubs as four of the estate's hobby rooms have undergone a £400k refurbishment.
The transformation of the previously disused spaces, some of which had sat empty since the 1980's, is a project led by Karbon Homes who own and manage the estate. The new spaces are each designed to help create stronger community connections, support resident wellbeing and celebrate the unique heritage of our iconic estate.
The hobby room on Spires Lane has become a community kitchen where various partners, including Big River Bakery, Nourish Food School and Foundation Futures youth group, are delivering food related activities and training. Another on St Michael’s Mount is now a dedicated artist’s studio, with artist in residence Lucy Minta Reeves will work with residents to co-produce creative projects inspired by the local community.
The third hobby room on Raby Street will be ran by Byker Community Coop, who will be hosting a range of weekly community focused groups and activities.
And the final hobby room on Raby Way has been transformed into a community archive to tell the story of the estate, past and present.
The Raby Street community archive received over £240k from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its restoration, with an additional £34.5k match funding from Karbon.
Led by Northern Cultural Projects CIC, the archive will capture the evolution of the estate over the years, from its unique architecture and design features to the stories of the residents who have lived there. The space was designed by Newcastle based architects Harper Perry and refurbishments were delivered by Karbon contractor RE:GEN North East.
The Spires Lane and St Michael's Mount hobby rooms were part-funded with a £108k grant through Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, with work carried by property maintenance and refurbishment contractor, CLC.
The hobby rooms are spaces dotted amongst the homes on the estate, designed by architect Ralph Erskine in the 1960’s, to help foster community interaction and cohesion. The refurbishments form part of Karbon's Fair Foundations approach to placeshaping, focusing on delivering projects that help make lasting change to communities and support social growth.
Keep an eye on the Byker Community Trust website and facebook page for further information about activities happening in the hobby rooms.
The Byker community are set to benefit from a suite of new community hubs as four of the estate's hobby rooms have undergone a £400k refurbishment.
The transformation of the previously disused spaces, some of which had sat empty since the 1980's, is a project led by Karbon Homes who own and manage the estate. The new spaces are each designed to help create stronger community connections, support resident wellbeing and celebrate the unique heritage of our iconic estate.
The hobby room on Spires Lane has become a community kitchen where various partners, including Big River Bakery, Nourish Food School and Foundation Futures youth group, are delivering food related activities and training. Another on St Michael’s Mount is now a dedicated artist’s studio, with artist in residence Lucy Minta Reeves will work with residents to co-produce creative projects inspired by the local community.
The third hobby room on Raby Street will be ran by Byker Community Coop, who will be hosting a range of weekly community focused groups and activities.
And the final hobby room on Raby Way has been transformed into a community archive to tell the story of the estate, past and present.
The Raby Street community archive received over £240k from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its restoration, with an additional £34.5k match funding from Karbon.
Led by Northern Cultural Projects CIC, the archive will capture the evolution of the estate over the years, from its unique architecture and design features to the stories of the residents who have lived there. The space was designed by Newcastle based architects Harper Perry and refurbishments were delivered by Karbon contractor RE:GEN North East.
The Spires Lane and St Michael's Mount hobby rooms were part-funded with a £108k grant through Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, with work carried by property maintenance and refurbishment contractor, CLC.
The hobby rooms are spaces dotted amongst the homes on the estate, designed by architect Ralph Erskine in the 1960’s, to help foster community interaction and cohesion. The refurbishments form part of Karbon's Fair Foundations approach to placeshaping, focusing on delivering projects that help make lasting change to communities and support social growth.
Keep an eye on the Byker Community Trust website and facebook page for further information about activities happening in the hobby rooms.
More news
Thriving Byker Strategy: income maximisation
1 October 2026
Paid placement opportunity at Big River Bakery
24 September 2026