Eyesore demolition a step closer

Westgate House, right, is set to be demolished

Two of Newcastle city centre's worst eyesores are a step closer to being flattened thanks to town planners.

A final decision on the futures of Westgate House, in Westgate Road and Norwich Union House, which stands next to it, is being made next week.

Both buildings have been empty for years and their owners want to demolish them to make way for shops and flats.

Newcastle City Council's development control committee has indicated it will allow demolition to begin.

Landmark development

Westgate House, a former office block, was built in the 1960s and is owned by regional development agency One NorthEast.

One NorthEast spokesman Kevin Rowan said: "It will be a great day for Newcastle when Westgate House is finally knocked down.

"I look forward to visiting the new development - it is vital that the best possible scheme is put in place in what is an architecturally stunning area of the city."

The contract for demolition is currently being negotiated and work is expected to begin as soon as possible after Monday's decision.

Neil Adamson, spokesman for Centreland, which owns Norwich Union House, said: "We are delighted to be working on such a landmark development."