Newcastle drinkers have voiced their disappointment that Stack will soon be closing for good so that a major office development can take its place.
The Stack on Pilgrim Street in the city centre will shut on May 2 to make way for an office block that will house 9,000 staff from HMRC. The food, drink and shopping hub which is made up of shipping containers, opened on the former Odeon site four years ago to bring new retail and leisure operators to the city centre.
It has been home to popular street food vendors including Acropolis and Bao Down over the years, but now businesses are serving up their final meals to customers before they move on from the site. Neill Winch, CEO of Stack owners Danieli Group, confirmed that the venue will close at midnight on its final day of trading to make way for the Pilgrim Place development works.
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However, Newcastle City Council has hinted that a new Stack site in the city centre could be in the pipeline as operators look at an alternative location.
Cabinet member for Development, Neighbourhoods and Transport, Cllr Ged Bell, said: “While always intended as a temporary development, Stack became an extremely popular addition to the city centre diversifying its offer and bringing back into use vacant land which had become an eyesore. This site forms part of a much larger area that in time will bring significant economic benefits and jobs to the city.
“We understand that the operators of Stack are looking at an alternative site in that part of the city centre.”
But until a new site is revealed Newcastle drinkers have said it is a "great shame" to lose the venue and raised concerns about the impact it will have on the city's nightlife.
Commenting on the ChronicleLive Facebook page, Gerry Parkins said: "Crazy. The town is losing its character by erecting yet another office block. Eventually, it’s just going to be offices and student accommodation.
"This place was a real draw, something that was fun and great for the town centre. What a shame."
David Chow wrote: "How's an office going to benefit the people? Another nail in the coffin for Newcastle nightlife."
Richie Armstrong commented: "It was a class place for everyone to enjoy good food, music and drink. It was always going to be temporary though.
"Well done to those involved in starting it up. Hopefully, it will pop up somewhere again very soon."
Alyson Bell agreed. She said: "That’s a great shame, I love it in there. There is a great atmosphere.
"Let’s hope it's put up somewhere else in town."
Gillian Foster was among those who questioned the decision, commenting: "Why? It’s a really popular place and the staff are fantastic."
Meanwhile, others expressed fears of increased traffic in the city centre and a lack of parking for workers moving into the office block.
Olivia Giggins said: "I hope they build a large car park, it’s nightmare getting parked now without adding to the problem. And why offices in the middle of a shopping area?"
Rijen Laban Retino agreed: "It will be really crowded for the 9,000 staff to be in the city. It would be good for the local business and restaurants.
"My worry is the foreseeable traffic jams in and around the city. I hope city council has really thought of the possible consequences."
However, some said there would be economic benefits from the new development as it would see office workers spending money in the city centre.
John Richard Henderson wrote: "Even if it is the relocation of staff from Longbenton it will be an asset to the area. Hundreds of staff will help towards the town economy and local businesses through lunches and socialising after work.
"That would not have been done before. The town has plenty of social outlets. This is a long-term help to the city."
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said: "Stack has been a wonderful addition to Newcastle’s retail and leisure scene, a vibrant, innovative pop-up that provided a temporary venue in an area that has always been primed for redevelopment. Now this development and investment is happening we can be sad to see Stack go while excited for the future of the site and the city."
