Banqueting Hall on endangered buildings list

The roof of the Grade II-listed building was removed in 1977

A historic hall has been named one of the country's most endangered buildings by a conservation charity.

The Banqueting Hall at Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, is in a state of "increasing decay", according to the Victorian Society.

The charity is calling for the hall to be restored and used as an arts centre.

Urban Green, which is responsible for the city's parks and their buildings, said restoration would take all its resources and "prevent other important work taking place".

Banqueting Hall is the last building known to have been designed by Newcastle architect John Dobson, while the attached gatehouse, reception hall and display room were designed by Norman Shaw.

The hall has been placed on the Victorian Society's Top 10 Endangered Buildings List, alongside two more of Mr Shaw's buildings.

Griff Rhys Jones, actor and Victorian Society president said Mr Shaw's work is not usually treated with indifference.

"Why are some of his finest works here being ignored?" he asked.

Jesmond Dene and the hall were gifted to Newcastle as a people's park

Jesmond Dene and Banqueting Hall were gifted to Newcastle as a people's park by Lord William Armstrong.

Despite being a Grade II listed building, Newcastle City Council removed its roof in 1977 and it has since suffered water damage.

The site is currently used by artists from the Armstrong Studio Trust, which has been carrying out repairs to the building.

James Hughes, director of the Victorian Society, said the future of the Banqueting Hall has been a "source of concern for some years".

"It is time that uncertainty over its future is resolved and a holistic scheme that respects the site’s enormous interest is developed," he added.

An Urban Green Newcastle spokesperson said: "We very much hope the national attention brought to the Banqueting Hall by the Victorian Society helps inspire action on this important piece of Newcastle’s history."

Urban Green said it would work with Armstrong Studio Trust to "ensure the building is cared for" and would support any "achievable plans" that secure the long term future of the site.