Newcastle civic centre £45m revamp approved

The civic centre was designed by Newcastle architect George Kenyon and opened in 1968

Newcastle City Council is to borrow £45m to revamp its headquarters.

The city's imposing civic centre is a Grade II-listed building which was opened in 1968 King Olav V of Norway.

But rocketing maintenance costs and falling staff numbers mean the authority is facing a bill of more than £35m to keep the building open.

Council bosses said a plan to lease out upgraded office space to the private sector would cover any borrowing costs and generate an estimated £32m in rent.

A council spokesman said: "When we look at the hard facts there can be no doubt that we have to act now to invest in the civic centre to save money in the long run.

'Cost pressures'

"By taking a bold and innovative decision to invest in the building, we can more than cover the costs and generate an additional saving which will be used to shield council services from public spending cuts.

"Doing nothing is not an option. The building would go into decline and council tax payers would be left to foot the bill.

"The numbers speak for themselves. Councils are facing mounting cost pressures because of ongoing cuts to public spending, and we have to take this opportunity generate savings to safeguard services and secure the future of a Newcastle landmark."

The plan would see council staff housed in the civic centre's eight-storey tower, with the rest of the building sublet to businesses.