A street of gingerbread buildings has been created to raise money for homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing.
Gingerbread Street is the annual Christmas fundraiser for the North East-based charity, in which participating businesses buy ‘plots’ and build a gingerbread structure to fit.
The headline sponsor for the second year in a row is national partnership housing specialist Lovell and its Director of Land and Partnerships in the North East, Phil Jones, joined TV presenter Steph McGovern on the judging panel on Tuesday 2 December alongside Greggs CEO Roisin Currie, and Co-Chair of the Royal Institute of British Architects North East Grace Choi.
The Community Champion Award went to St Alban’s Windy Nook Church in Gateshead whose congregation re-created their place of worship in gingerbread and sweets.
Other award winners included: ‘John Dobson’s House of Disco’ by GT3 Architecture (small plot); ‘Senso-ji: A Place of Peace and Community’ by Komatsu (medium plot); and ‘The CHA Gingerbread Community Station’ by Crawford Higgins Associates (large plot).
“We saw an impressive array of gingerbread buildings on judging day, and we inspected each one very carefully to choose a worthy winner.
“Gingerbread Street is a charming and thoughtful way to raise money for a very important charity. At Lovell we have been supporting Oasis Community Housing since March 2023 because we share their values and believe that a safe and secure home is something that everyone needs and should be able to have.
“We were pleased and proud to be the headline sponsor of Gingerbread Street again this year. It was great fun to be part of it and to again judge the amazing gingerbread structures that were created. Thanks go to everyone who took part, donated money and spent time building gingerbread buildings.”
Phil
Businesses had the option of buying small, medium or large plots on Gingerbread Street and the fundraiser, including sponsorships, made nearly £9,000.
Oasis Community Housing works to prevent homelessness and supports people who are homeless in the North East and in London.
“Ending homelessness is about more than putting a roof over someone’s head. Building community around people is at the heart of what we do, enabling every individual to feel a sense of safety and belonging. We wanted to bring that message to life and so, with a dusting of Christmas spirit, we hosted Gingerbread Street!
“We are overwhelmed by the level of creativity and commitment from local businesses, churches and groups, as well as our incredible judges. I’d encourage everyone to come along to this free festive exhibition, as every show of support helps us to continue our life-changing work for local people who are facing homelessness.”
Oasis Community Housing CEO, Sarah Gorman
The gingerbread buildings are all on display at The Biscuit Factory in Newcastle upon Tyne until Sunday 4 January 2026.
To find out more, visit https://www.oasiscommunityhousing.org/gingerbread-street-exhibition/.
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