Delay for 'Get Carter' demolition

The "Get Carter" car park will now be demolished in early 2008

The demolition of an iconic piece of Tyneside architecture has been put back by several months.

Gateshead's Trinity Square is to be bulldozed to make way for a Tesco store, cinema, apartments and cafes.

The square is dominated by the "Get Carter car park", which appeared in the 1970s gangster film.

Demolition was due to begin this autumn, but following discussions with traders the market hall will now remain open until 11 January.

Tesco's development arm, Spenhill, will begin work on the multi-million pound redevelopment as soon as the hall has been vacated.

In the meantime, market traders are to enter into new leases to cover the extended period.

Gateshead Council said it would work with any businesses or jobseekers in need of funding, premises, training or employment.

Revamp roadshow

Residents from across the town have been invited to attend a series of events in September, to be held in each of Gateshead's five neighbourhood areas.

The information "roadshow" will visit the town centre, Chopwell, Dunston, Wrekenton and the International Stadium.

Dates are available from both the Gateshead Council and Your Trinity Square websites.

The stark concrete car park was made famous by the classic Tyneside-based movie, in which Sir Michael Caine's character throws a corrupt businessman from the roof.