Newcastle Approves Demolition at Historic Stephenson Works Buildings

Newcastle plans to demolish old Stephenson works sections. These areas are unsafe and run-down. They need to make way for new homes. Heritage groups are worried about this decision.

The council approved plans for the Machine Shop and Smith’s Shop. These are part of the Founders Place project. George and Robert Stephenson once worked here. They helped start the railways. This also aided the Industrial Revolution.

The buildings are in bad shape and have been empty since the early 2000s. The site fell apart after JT Dove left. Vandalism and storm damage made things worse.

Asbestos makes the buildings dangerous. People keep breaking in anyway, which puts their lives at risk. Igloo will remove asbestos and fix structures. They partner with the council on the Stephenson Quarter.

The work should allow about 70 homes to be built on South Street. The Victorian Society thinks this harms history. They wanted better protection plans first.

The developer will demolish in phases, allowing them to assess the buildings better. Planners said full demolition is likely without these repairs. The work should begin this summer.

Councillor Phillipson is sad about the building’s decay. He hopes to stop vandals. He supports the phased approach to saving history and is concerned about structural integrity.

Igloo plans family homes and apartments. Business space, a park, and a courtyard are also planned.

Igloo is happy about the planning permission. The work will revitalize the Stephenson Works site and they hope to create a thriving community there.

Council member Greenhough calls the buildings historically important. He notes dangers from decay and asbestos. The work will make them safe and create housing. This advances the Founders Place project and also attracts good jobs.

Atom Bank is moving to the Pattern Shop. This is another building in the Stephenson works. It had a £9 million restoration recently.