Showcase viewing for plans
Sep 19 2007 by Paul Loraine, The Journal
A ROADSHOW exhibiting plans for the Get Carter car park will today provide locals with a glimpse of Gateshead’s future.
The exhibitions – the first of which takes place this afternoon – will showcase a number of possibilities for the site which could include houses, offices, apartments, shops, banks, and cafes.
It was revealed on Monday that the controversial car park had been given a stay of execution after traders in the connected Trinity Square market struck an agreement with developers Tesco.
They were told they can continue trading through Christmas and demolition will now begin on January 11, not in November as initially planned.
Spenhill, Tesco’s development arm, will also fund an advertising campaign for the market hall over the festive period.
This week those living in the area will be able to voice concerns on the fate of the town centre. Max Curtis, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: “The option of a mixed-use development at Trinity Square offers a superb opportunity to bring better facilities to the town centre and to make a significant contribution to the continuing regeneration of Gateshead.
“Views and comments from residents throughout the consultation will be extremely valuable in shaping the proposals and so we would like to encourage as many people as possible to attend the exhibition.”
The grey concrete multi-storey car park was designed by Owen Ludder in 1964 and has divided opinion ever since. It featured in a famous scene in the Michael Caine film Get Carter, in which gangster Cliff Brumby was thrown from it.
Leader of Gateshead Council, Coun Mick Henry, said: “This is an exciting time for Gateshead and all views are welcome so we would encourage people to take this opportunity to see what might be possible in our centre and have their say.”
The first stop for the roadshow is at Trinity Community Association Church Hall, High Street, Gateshead, today from 1.30-7.30pm.
Tomorrow it moves on to the Pioneer Centre on Derwent Street, Chopwell from 11am-3pm before calling at St Nicholas Church Hall, Ellison Road, Dunston between 5-8pm.
On Friday the exhibition will be at Wrekenton Methodist Church Hall, Springwell Avenue, Wrekenton between 11am-3pm before making a final stop at the athletics hall at Gateshead International Stadium between 5-8pm.
