A little-used Newcastle University rifle range now faces potential demolition.
Newcastle University has approached North Tyneside Council for permission to demolish the old 30m-long rifle range in Longbenton Sports Ground. According to the application, the building is "no longer required" and beyond the scope of future development.
The application also calls for the demolition of the rifle range ancillary store.
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Documents on behalf of the University claim the demolition may allow for future developments.
A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “The Rifle Range was closed for shooting in June 2021 as the building needed significant financial investment to keep it at the required health and safety standards for shooting.
“The number of active members within the University Rifle Cub had been in decline for a while and had fallen into single figures. Therefore, we decided to close the Range for shooting purposes and the University Rifle Club linked up with local clubs and facilities to continue their activity."
The sports ground is more commonly used for football. The University's website also refers to the ground as its "major location" for hockey. The ground also accommodates lacrosse and rugby matches.
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