Plans for the exciting regeneration of Gateshead's Old Town Hall are being adjusted following an 'amazing' public consultation turnout, developers have revealed. Capital & Centric, the Manchester-based social impact developer, acquired the former civic hub two years ago and aims to transform it into a vibrant destination for living, playing, and socialising.
Overwhelming Public Response
Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital & Centric, said more than 200 people attended the consultation last week to view initial designs. 'A couple of hundred people showed up over the course of the consultation which is amazing. It shows how important it is to people,' he commented. The feedback has prompted changes and the addition of new features.
Community-Driven Design
Heatley emphasised the importance of community input: 'Public consultations bring in the people that know it best – the people who live and work nearby. And at the end of the day, they’re going to be the people who are probably going to frequent it and hang out there and maybe live there. So we wanted to make sure that we were on the lines and that any mistakes that we’re making are going to get picked up.'
The developer's approach contrasts with typical industry practice: 'I think often developers turn up and they say, “here’s a fait accompli - here's what we’re going to build, and it’s tough, get on with liking it”. We take the alternative approach, which is that we need you to tell us exactly what we’re doing wrong, and let us fix it – and that’s what we’ve done.'
New Features and Business Interest
Following feedback, Capital & Centric is now re-appraising designs from a financial perspective to ensure viability. The scheme initially involved turning the old town hall into new rental homes, but now includes interest from businesses for bars, restaurants, cafes, and even a podcast studio and post-production suites. 'The plan is a series of buildings including the old town hall, rather than one big building. And there was interest from businesses that are near Newcastle and Gateshead and beyond,' Heatley said.
Support from Local Leaders
Heatley thanked North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and the new council leader for their support. 'We’ve got some great support from Kim McGuinness at the Combined Authority and also we’ve got a new leader at the council who we are working really closely with and who has been great and supportive of the ambition.'
The project aims to create around 250 new design-led homes, plus space for independent businesses, new planting, green spaces, and a pocket public park. A planning application is expected later this year.
