Arch at Newcastle's Chinatown to be repaired after…

Arch at Newcastle's Chinatown to be repaired after safety fears over falling tiles

A Newcastle city centre landmark is set to undergo essential repairs after concerns were raised over its safety.

The Chinese Arch which has stood proudly at the junction with Stowell Street since 2005 is said to have fallen into a bad state of disrepair with its tiles beginning to crack and fall to the ground below.

Tony Corcoran, secretary of the nearby Tyneside Irish Centre, told Chronicle Live last week that he feared it was only a matter of time before someone walking underneath was injured.

"From our top window, I can see what's happening and, quite frankly, the state of the tiling on the top is alarming," he said.

"If large bits of that started to become detached and fall into the pavement and roadway it could pose a significant danger to the public."

He called on Newcastle City Council to take urgent action to repair the structure which acts as the gateway to Chinatown.

The damage to the tiles on top of the Chinese Arch at the gateway to Stowell Street in Newcastle city centre. (Newcastle Chronicle)

And now council bosses have confirmed that they have removed loose materials on the roof of the arch and said that work will be carried out over the next few weeks to install protective netting. A public notice has also been put up near the structure confirming the work.

A Newcastle City Council spokesman said: “For many years the Chinese Arch has been a gateway to Newcastle’s Chinatown and celebrates Chinese heritage and culture in the city.

“The roof was inspected on Tuesday and the loose materials were removed. Protective netting will be installed on the roof in the coming weeks, with the work taking place overnight to minimise disruption.

“Plans will then be developed, alongside the Chinese community, to repair any damage to the structure.

A notice has been put up near the Chinese Arch informing the public that essential work will be carried out on the structure. (Tony Corcoran)

“The safety and wellbeing of the public remains our highest priority and we are committed to making sure the arch remains in a safe condition and continues to be an important landmark in the city.”

According to the City Council, Stowell Street became known as Newcastle's 'Chinatown' in the early 1980s. The Chinese Arch was built by 12 craftsmen from the Changsu Classical Garden Construction Company (Group) between October 2004 and January 2005. It was formally opened to the public in February 2005.

The arch is 11m high and is decorated with carved and colourfully painted animals including dragons and phoenixes. The seven panels on the arch are decorated with scenes or figures from Tyneside and two lions stand at the base of the arch.

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