Future secure for The Journal Tyne Theatre

Mar 15 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

THE potential for thousands of pounds of investment in one of Newcastle’s most important cultural buildings was assured yesterday after The Journal Tyne Theatre and Opera House was handed over to a preservation trust.

The Grade I listed building on Westgate Road has been purchased by Newcastle City Council from developers Adderstone and gifted to the newly-formed Tyne Theatre and Opera House Preservation Trust so that it can apply for vital maintenance funds from agencies including the National Lottery.

And yesterday saw dignitaries gather for a special VIP reception to celebrate the move.

The deputy leader of the city council, Coun David Faulkner, explained: “The building has had several different owners over the last 25 years and, although protection has continued, it has not had any investment.

“The problem has been that the building has got shabbier and shabbier over the years.

“The windows need renewing and a lot needs to be done. The most pressing issue is structural, and if this move had not gone through, then the building may not have been saved.

“It has a wonderful history and it would have been a shame to lose it.”

Coun Faulkner said the Trust’s first step would be to apply for some money from regional development agency One NorthEast so that some essential internal alterations can be carried out.

And some work on the exterior of the building is already set to begin in the summer.

The day-to-day management of the theatre will not change, and SMG Europe will continue to manage the theatre’s programming.

Coun Faulkner added: “The programme that the Tyne Theatre provides fits a niche and no-one wanted to lose that, so there are some very exciting times ahead.”