Car park demolition plans proceed

The 'Get Carter' car park was set for demolition last year

Plans to demolish an iconic car park, as part of the regeneration of Gateshead town centre, are still in place, council officials have said.

Work to bulldoze the iconic building, which featured in the movie Get Carter, was expected to begin in Autumn 2007.

But delays in submitting a planning application for the wider scheme, including shops and a cinema, has led to the demolition being put on hold.

Developers Spen Hill hope to make an announcement soon.

Sheila Johnson, of Gateshead Council, said: "We are very confident that this will proceed.

"All we are doing is making sure we get the best possible scheme for Gateshead and the wider region."

Extremely committed

Regeneration work has begun on the Telephone Exchange building in Lambton Street and part of the multi-storey car park is still being used to minimise disruption.

The work is being carried out by Spen Hill, the development arm of Tesco.

Spokesman Michael Kissman said: "Spen Hill is still extremely committed to its plans for the town centre.

"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."