Car park may yet hit 40th

Sep 20 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

THE demolition of Gateshead’s “Get Carter” car park could be a year late by the time it happens. Tesco announced plans to create a new town centre alongside Gateshead Council bosses in July last year, with a November 2007 date earmarked for the car park to be bulldozed.

That date has been progressively moved back and yesterday the council postponed the demolition until between October and December.

Tesco last night denied the credit crunch had hit its plans for a new superstore, cinema, cafes, restaurants, apartments, a public square and a new car park.

It said the delay was down to the time required to progress such a large-scale scheme in “the best possible” way and that it hoped to announce a planning application soon.

Yesterday Gateshead Council initially referred all inquiries to the company’s development arm Spenhill, but later officials explained that “the redevelopment process takes time”.

The multi-storey car park was designed in 1964 by the Owen Luder Partnership, and opened in 1969. The following year saw Michael Caine arrive on Tyneside to film the movie that made it famous.

But the car park’s roof-top cafe never found a tenant and was never opened and now the upper floors are not deemed safe enough to take cars.

It has repeatedly featured in polls of the worst buildings not just in the North-East but in the country, although its iconic status has seen it gather a cult following from fans of both film and architecture.

Those fans may now be able to see the car park celebrate its 40th birthday, should the delays take the project into 2009.

Yesterday Michael Kissman, spokesman for Spenhill, said: “Spenhill is still extremely committed to its plans for the town centre and is working hard alongside Gateshead Council to bring forward the regeneration of the town as soon as possible for local residents.

“However, as with any large town centre scheme of this nature it is vital that the best possible scheme is developed and this can take time.

“We hope to have an announcement soon as to when a formal planning application will be submitted.”

Gateshead Council director of development and enterprise Sheila Johnston said: “The redevelopment of Trinity Square is still ongoing but we don't want to close the car park until it is ready for demolition.

“We want to minimise disruption to car users in the town centre by keeping the car park open until the last possible moment. Because the redevelopment process takes time we are applying for closure notices on a rolling basis.”