Dunston Rocket set to be bulldozed in Gateshead

Jan 14 2009 By Chris Robinson

THE infamous Dunston Rocket will be demolished to pave the way for a multi million pound redevelopment.

Derwent Tower in Gateshead will be bulldozed after the scheme was given the green light by councillors.

In its place will be new homes and shops as well as a planned health centre and supermarket in a six year development.

Gateshead Council agreed to demolilsh the 29-storey building as well as 116 adjacent maisonettes in Ravensworth Road at its cabinet meeting.

However plans are subject to a Certificate of Immunity from Listing to be received which would enable the 280ftbuilding to be demolished.

The majority of residents gave plans the thumbs-up as part of the consultation carried out by the council.

However there have been some calls for the 29-storey skyscraper, built in 1973, to be saved.

Among its fans are Dunston-born footballer Paul Gascoigne, who grew up nearby, and its architect Owen Luder who also created the Get Carter car park which is also earmarked for demolition.

Tenants began moving out of the building in October 2007 due to health and safety concerns surrounding the tower's deteriorated condition.

Planning experts believe the tower would require millions of pounds to make it habitable.

A council spokesman said: "Proposals for the re-developed area include affordable housing, a supermarket, a number of shop units, and possibly a doctor's surgery. "We will now work closely with the local community to take the proposals forward."