The team behind Newcastle's Central Park have announced that it will not be going ahead this summer.
The popular venue in Times Square has been enjoyed by thousands of drinkers since its launch during the pandemic and has hosted events including Oktober Fest, Eurovision watch parties and football fan zones for the World Cup and Euros over the years.
But now organisers have confirmed that Central Park will not be returning as a result of the "tough economic climate".
READ MORE: Join ChronicleLive's Whatsapp community for breaking news and top stories
In a heartfelt post on its Facebook page, bosses said that it was sad to make the decision but said it was "proud" of being able to bring people "much-needed fun during hard times".
The statement said: "It gives us massive sadness to announce that due to the tough current economic climate and a change in direction of the availability of Times Square, Central Park won’t be returning this summer.
"We launched during the summer of the pandemic and brought the people of the North East an outdoor destination to meet up safely and enjoy some much-needed fun during hard times. The year after we came back bigger and better with a multi-story pop-up and event space that hosted over 70 events as well as being open to the public every week.
"Some of our biggest successes include kicking off Eurovision watch-a-long parties in the city, hosting a fan zone for marquee sporting events like the World Cup and boxing and countless live performances.
"As a team, we’ve reflected on our time working on Central Park and know we can be tremendously proud of ourselves. The levels of effort and risk undertaken were extremely high and everyone involved really dug their heels in and without the full team working as one, Central Park wouldn’t have reached the successes that it did."
However, venue bosses also hinted that a new Central Park could open at a different location in the North East in the future.
The statement added: "We’ll now be exploring new options across the North East and beyond to bring more Central Park happiness and sunshine to the masses!"
Drinkers reacted with sadness at the news when it was announced on social media.
Commenting on the Central Park Facebook post, one drinker said: "Such a shame. We had a ball last August for my birthday!"
Another added: "Ahhhh I’m gutted it’s not there this year." Another comment said: "Sad times."
READ NEXT:
- Damaged Society opens big new store in Newcastle's Eldon Square
- Courageous Hetton mum, 36, who tragically lost baby due to stroke learns to talk again
New healthy eating cafe Island Poke opens doors to Newcastle diners
Inside Frate Newcastle's shipping container village set to open for May Bank Holiday weekend
