Church is saved from demolition

The church could have been lost altogether

A 19th century church has been saved from demolition in Gateshead.

Planning permission has been granted to convert St Cuthbert's Church on Bensham Road into a museum and workshop.

The grade II listed building, which dates from 1848 and was designed by Tyneside architect John Dobson, has been empty since 1991.

Gateshead Council granted permission for the museum on the grounds of the churches historic value, prominent location and its state of disrepair.

'Useful life'

Extra windows will be added, a flat roof will be constructed across part of the building, the vestry is to be rebuilt and extra floors will be added.

Councillor Linda Green, said: "The council would have preferred a scheme which would retain the building's external and internal appearance, but this has not proved possible.

"Committee members therefore had to carefully balance its concerns with the risk that, if they refused this application, then we might lose the building altogether.

"Their decision was a difficult one, but it was the right one. Local residents can now look forward to seeing St Cuthbert's Church returned to useful life."