Gateshead Council has confirmed plans to demolish Curley's pub and the Park Lane club as part of the long-promised regeneration of Gateshead High Street.
Local authority bosses said on Tuesday that work will start this month to prepare the two buildings for demolition, including stripping out internal fixtures and removing asbestos, before they are torn down in the new year.
Regeneration Vision
The demolition forms part of a major regeneration vision aimed at replacing run-down buildings with a new neighbourhood featuring homes, green spaces, community facilities and improved pedestrian and cycle routes.
A £90 million proposal to transform the high street was unveiled in 2019, but the lack of progress on the revamp has been a source of repeated concern in the town.
Council Statement
On Tuesday, the council said that demolishing Curley's and the Park Lane would be a "significant milestone", following the removal of the A167 flyover.
Reform UK councillor Steve Campion, the council's cabinet member for economic development, said: "This is an important step in delivering our long-term vision for High Street South and creating a town centre that is vibrant, sustainable and welcoming.
"This is about much more than getting rid of eyesore buildings. This work unlocks opportunities for new homes, attractive public spaces and future investment that will support a thriving local economy.
"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape this part of Gateshead, creating a place that reflects the ambitions of our borough and meets the needs of residents, businesses and future generations. Demolishing these buildings brings us one step closer to delivering that vision."
Property Acquisition
The former Curley's bar had been a Gateshead institution for decades, but was purchased by the council last year as part of its efforts to buy up privately-owned sites on the high street so that the area can be redeveloped.
Curley's is not a listed building, but is recognised on Gateshead's local list of historically significant buildings.
The council said it was "continuing to work" towards buying the remaining properties on the high street outside of its control. Last month, local authority chiefs were told that businesses in the area felt "abandoned" due to the lack of development since the 2019 vision was announced.
