“Absurd” plans to turn a historic Newcastle bowling alley into flats have been thrown out.
City council officials have rejected proposals that could have seen the well-known former MFA Bowl on Westgate Road partly demolished and redeveloped into housing. The plans had sparked concern about the loss of one of the West End’s “finest” pieces of architecture, with the building’s rich history dating back to 1911 – when it opened as the Brighton Electric Theatre.
Newcastle City Council has now refused planning permission for the controversial scheme, which would have converted the site into a 68-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) and seven apartments. The local authority called Capital Properties Solutions’ application “bland and unimaginative”, while Northumbria Police had warned that it had “serious concerns” and was “uncomfortable with the scale of the development”.
Read More: Newcastle police station saga could be nearing end after battle over Burger King plans
There were 12 objections from local residents made against the project, which one opponent branded “cheap and soulless”. The objector added: “Development of the site is welcomed but it is difficult to see how the proposed development will not blight the area. 68 flats is an absurd proposition for the amount of space available in terms of access and parking as well as overcrowding. It is well documented that the effect of overcrowded development is generally negative on the area.”
Another resident said that the disused bowling alley was “one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in Newcastle and is often considered an important piece of history to many residents of the city”. They added: “The proposed plan, from what I can see, would completely replace the front facade of the building which in my view would be a huge mistake and have a negative visual impact on Westgate Road.”
The building had been converted into a cinema in 1947 and then became a 10-pin bowling alley in 1963. MFA Bowl closed down in 2018 before it was later relaunched as The Bowl – but the business suffered as Covid hit, entering liquidation in 2020 before new owners stepped in to save the site yet again.
But that reprieve was short-lived, with the pandemic’s crippling impact ultimately rendering the once-popular centre “not financially viable to re-open”.
In documents lodged with the city council, Capital Property Solutions said that the housing plan would “make efficient use of a redundant, disused building” and “deliver high quality shared accommodation” aimed at students and professionals. They added: “The development of the site not only provides additional, much needed residential accommodation in a location with good connectivity, but will also create significant economic benefit locally, during the construction phase and the operational phase. Jobs will be created within the new commercial units, and these provide high quality space for new and growing businesses.”
However, while the council said that the principle of demolishing part of the building could be acceptable, city planners ruled that the developer’s scheme “would not provide a high quality environment and a good standard of residential amenity for future occupants”.
They wrote: “As noted, the existing building has architectural features which make it visually interesting and reflect the period in which the building was originally developed. In fact, the planning statement has noted that the building is of 'distinctive character dating to 1911' and that the design introduces 'a landmark style to this corner site'. Therefore, it is very disappointing to see a proposal which removes this distinctive character and replaces it with a bland and unimaginative design.”
Read Next:
- Council chiefs grilled over Jesmond road closures as low traffic neighbourhood design put under review
- 'Full confidence' in chief who allowed firefighter to be promoted despite rape allegation
- Second seat up for grabs in Newcastle election battleground after North Jesmond Labour councillor resigns
- Plans for anti-social behaviour wardens in Newcastle dropped as council goes 'back to the drawing board'
- Award-winning Newcastle micropub bids to open new Heaton venue as 'drinking strip' worries shot down
