Former town hall set for homes transformation

The building was used as Gateshead Council's headquarters until 1987

An historic former town hall is to be turned into housing.

The Grade II listed building, in Gateshead town centre, was the council's headquarters for almost 120 years until the authority moved to its current location at the Civic Centre in 1987.

After being announced as potential developers for the site earlier this summer, it has now been revealed Capital&Centric plan to create an unspecified number of "design-led homes".

The Manchester-based firm has been responsible for several regeneration projects across England in recent years.

Its founders, Tim Heatley and Adam Higgins, have also featured on TV programmes such as Channel 4's Big Interiors Battle and the BBC's Manctopia.

'New life'

John Moffat, joint managing director, described the building as "a local landmark that really stops you in your tracks as you pass by".

He said the firm intended to "preserve and celebrate its history, but repurpose it for a new generation to enjoy for decades to come".

Further details will be revealed in the coming months ahead of a planning application being submitted.

The site's freehold is owned by the council with a 250-year lease in place.

Anneliese Hutchinson, the authority's interim strategic director for economy, innovation and growth, said the scheme would "redevelop this historic building, breathing new life into it by converting it into apartments".

She added: "The building has latterly been in use by a few social and cultural sector bodies, but it has always been our intention to look at a more permanent solution.

"This development will be a key part of our town centre regeneration plans and we look forward to working with [Capital&Centric] on this."