Councillors have been recommended to approve plans to demolish the old Tynemouth Library. North Tyneside Council hopes to replace the library at 36 Front Street with a community hub with library facilities, a Newcastle Building Society branch, and six new flats.
The library was closed in 2020 after serving locals for 70 years because of health and safety risks. However, the council had plans to refurbish the building way back in 2018.
Planning officials had concluded the costs of a refurbishment or partial demolition were “prohibitive” and a full demolition was appropriate. Plans to demolish the building have led to public outcry with 37 objections on the local authority’s website.
Read More: North Tyneside shipyard set for multi-million pound restoration in bid to attract clean energy jobs
One resident said: “I object to this proposal on the grounds that the current 18th century building facade should be retained and developed NOT flattened and lost because of council greed. The building could be visually beautiful like the ones opposite should the Council wish to retain it but with pound signs in their eyes for rent, rates and council tax I fear this will be overlooked”.
Regarding the building’s significance, a report on the historic significance of the building concluded: “ The historic form of the original building has been seriously eroded by unsympathetic alteration, extension and demolition. The building was clearly well built and has stood the test of time although it now shows structural and condition problems.
“Despite this the building does make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of Front Street and therefore its loss will lead to some harm. The level of harm is assessed as less than substantial”.
Labour Tynemouth councillor, Sarah Day said: “I am very excited to see this project continue to take shape. I know what an important asset the library is for the local community and the new library is part of the Council’s commitment to invest in all parts of the borough to keep North Tyneside a great place to live, work, and visit.”
Conservative Tynemouth councillor, Lewis Bartoli said: “I am supportive of the redevelopment. We have tried for a long time to get something done on that site.
“My only criticism is that the council has allowed the site to get into such disrepair. I have said this to the council, I don't think they would have allowed a private owner to do that.
“I think they have fallen below their own standards. Having said all that I support the plans, something needs to be done. This would save the library and it is the better option”.
Councillors on North Tyneside Council’s planning committee will meet on Tuesday, September 27 to consider the plans.
- Annoyed neighbours fight to preserve 'last view' of the Tyne in Wallsend after building plans emerge
- Staff shortages and 'unexpected' utility works blamed as Heaton cycle lane extension delay
- Council's apology over lift repair 'nightmare' after Newcastle tower block tenants strande
- Date set for crunch decision on controversial Quayside flats pla Controversial Tynemouth "Gulag-style" housing development criticised by councillors
