Grant helps restore historic pub

The Grade II listed building will be restored inside and out.

A landmark Victorian pub in Tyneside is to receive a grant of more than £400,000 to help transform it.

The Central in Hill Street, Gateshead, is to receive a major revamp after being bought by local pub chain, The Head of Steam.

To aid restoration, Gateshead council has agreed to make a grant of £142,486, adding to a £269,529 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Grade II listed building will be restored inside and out.

The new owners intend to restore many of the pub's original Victorian features, as well as the function rooms on the first and second floor.

They also have plans to turn the pub into a music venue and niche hotel.

'Exciting development'

Major internal works proposed include restoration of the original etched glass and mahogany window panels, renovating the main bar room and servery revealing its original Victorian ceiling.

Councillor Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council, said: "This is a really exciting development.

"The Central is one of the largest and most striking buildings in Gateshead's historic core, yet its condition has been a cause of serious concern.

"Now at last we have the chance of helping this unique building to become one of the highlights of Gateshead's revitalised town centre."

Tony Brookes from The Head of Steam said: "Our plan is to create nothing less than one of the best Victorian heritage pubs in Britain."

Planning permission is likely to be considered in the New Year.

The new owners also hope to turn the pub into a music venue and niche hotel.

Designed in 1854 by local architect M Thompson, The Central occupies a flattened triangular island site between the High Level Bridge and the Tyne Bridge.

It was built for Alderman Potts, a wine merchant, and eventually became a hotel around 1890.