North Tyneside Council is moving closer to acquiring the site of the former Stanton Lodge care home in Shiremoor, two years after a devastating blaze destroyed the building.
Fire and aftermath
The fire, which occurred in June 2024, was suspected to be arson and forced the evacuation of nearby homes. Since then, residents have called for the demolition of the burnt-out shell, describing it as an “eyesore”.
In April 2026, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) spoke to locals, who expressed frustration over the delay and concerns about children entering the unsafe structure. One resident said: “Give me a bulldozer, and I would do it in a couple of weeks, I would do it myself.”
Council action
During a North Tyneside full council meeting, Deputy Mayor Carl Johnson addressed a public question on the site’s status. He stated that the council does not own the site and is not responsible for its condition, as the owning company has entered receivership.
“The council has had positive dialogue with the official receiver to acquire the site,” Johnson said. “If this cannot be achieved through dialogue, then the council will consider using its compulsory purchase powers. As a result of these ongoing legal and ownership issues, the council is not currently able to provide a date for when clearance of the site will commence. However, resolving the constraints affecting the site and securing its future redevelopment remains a priority, and officers will continue to progress matters at the earliest opportunity.”
Arrests
After the fire on June 18, 2024, Northumbria Police arrested several individuals aged between 12 and 20, but none faced further police action.
