Historic car park finally closes

An iconic car park in Gateshead has closed to the public for the last time.

The Trinity Square building, which featured in the movie Get Carter, will be demolished to make way for a new supermarket, a hotel and shops.

Gateshead City Council has closed the entire structure and demolition work has started on Ellison Street, adjacent to the car park.

A planning application is due to be submitted by developers Spen Hill later this year.

Free parking

Councillor Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council, said: "The car park has dominated Gateshead's skyline for over 30 years and has generated a wide variety of opinion on its presence in the borough.

"However, 96% of local residents surveyed were in favour of the plans to redevelop Trinity Square and demolish the car park.

"Although actual demolition won't start straight away, by closing the car park now we can take another significant step forward.

"We've left the car park open for as long as possible and even offered free parking over the Christmas and New Year period but the time has now come when we have to close the doors for the last time."

No final date has yet been set for demolition of the car park.

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