North secures £4.6M contract with Gateshead Council to enhance safety and modernise high-rise homes

The large-scale investment will improve the safety and security of residents while creating smarter, more connected communities. It forms part of Gateshead Council’s wider five-year housing improvement plan, which will see significant investment to modernise homes, strengthen safety standards, and enhance resident wellbeing.

Under the new contract, North will install over 3,000 new video door entry units and integrated video surveillance systems, designed to deter anti-social behaviour and provide residents with greater confidence in their homes.

At the heart of the project is a fully integrated control centre, combining video analytics and real-time monitoring to support rapid response, efficient coordination, and intelligence-led community safety. Delivered in full compliance with the new Building Safety Act and overseen by the Building Safety Regulator, the upgrades will meet the highest standards of installation and quality. The project will provide residents with greater confidence in the safety, security, and long-term integrity of their homes.

The improvements will complement the council’s wider safety initiatives, including the introduction of:

• Secure Door Entry systems, ensuring only residents and approved visitors can access properties.
• Enhanced Video Surveillance in communal areas, both inside and outside buildings.
• Two-way communication links to a 24/7 concierge service, enabling residents to request assistance or report issues
• Manual call points on each floor for residents to instantly connect with support staff.

As part of its commitment to social value and sustainability, North will deliver £100k of community initiatives, including:

• The creation of a new apprenticeship opportunity for a local resident.
• Development of safe and secure social spaces for residents.
• Smart housing Internet of Things (IoT), using sensors to monitor home conditions such as damp and mould, improving tenant wellbeing and supporting proactive housing maintenance.
• Establishment of a carbon emissions baseline, helping to drive measurable annual energy and efficiency savings throughout the contract.

The project will not only enhance safety but also advance Gateshead’s smart city ambitions through the deployment of IoT Smart Housing technology, helping to future-proof housing stock and ensure systems remain resilient, connected, and sustainable for years to come

Andrew Foster, MD, Public Services at North, said:

“North is proud to support Gateshead Council with this ground-breaking project. The investment in innovative integrated technologies coupled with a wide-ranging programme of sustainability and social value initiatives will support the council with re-shaping communities that are safer, future-proofed and create places that residents are proud to call home.”

Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, added:

“The wellbeing of our tenants is a top priority. That’s why we’re introducing modern technology and services that will not only improve safety but also make day-to-day living more convenient.”

“We want all our tenants to feel safe and supported in their homes. These new systems will not only give people greater peace of mind but also make it easier to raise concerns and get help when it’s needed. This is a major investment in our communities, and part of a bigger programme of improvements we’re making to keep our homes secure, well-managed, and good places to live.”

Work began in September 2025 and will continue until 2027, with careful planning in place to minimise disruption for residents throughout installation.