Gateshead eyesore tower to be flattened
A 13-storey tower block that has loomed over River Tyne at Gateshead since the 1960s is to be demolished as part of comprehensive regeneration plans for the area.
The Tyne Bridge Tower has been standing empty since 2005, when it was vacated by its last tenants, the Inland Revenue. Local people have been campaigning since then for something to be done about the building.
Many were relieved this week to hear that an application had been submitted to demolish the building and its walkway link to the Tyne Bridge by owners, One North East. The company bought the complex last year from UK Land Estates in a deal worth more than £4 million.
A One North East spokesman said they had long-term plans for the site, which is adjacent to the Sage and the medieval St Mary’s Church buildings.
“We are shortly to begin the process of appointing a contractor and hope to be able to start demolition work at Tyne Bridge Tower later this summer," the spokesman said.
“In the short-term the site will be made safe and landscaped. Longer-term, Tyne Bridge Tower has been identified by partners for a mixed-use development that will help link Gateshead Quays to the town centre.”
Over the years several bids to re-use the site and capitalise on its views over the Tyne have been mooted, but to no result. These have included recladding, extension and conversion into 168 apartments by developer City Lofts.
