Tyneside Committee
Rosemary Dodd reports
There have been plenty of issues to keep the committee busy these last few months.
La Sagesse School in Jesmond closed in July and the site is now up for sale. The entire site is within the Jesmond Dene Conservation Area. The area has a Character Statement and an Area Management Plan; the latter will provide the basis for assessing and managing change on the site. It will also provide guidance to developers for the redevelopment of the site. The area is important because of its open space and mature woodland which of course runs parallel to Jesmond Dene. Jean Baty, President of Jesmond Residents Association, is a member of the Tyneside Committee and keeps members up to date with developments.
Tyne-Tees Shipping Company board
The redevelopment of the General Hospital site has caused concern. What is proposed is the expansion of Newcastle University’s Institute for Ageing and Vitality, a three-storey walk-in health centre, a 24-hour Tesco superstore, and a small health related business area. The issues are over development of the site in a residential area, the increased traffic, the loss of a ‘locally listed’ building (the old workhouse), the lack of adequate parking, and the impact on the traders on the West Road. Historically, the West Road is one of the main entrances to the City and therefore requires a sensitive and sympathetic approach. The design for the development sadly does not complement the other existing heritage buildings in the area. The Tyneside Committee has submitted comments to the Council and is looking for assurances from the Councillors regarding the site.
The Tyne-Tees Steam Shipping Company board on King Street, Quayside, is in a very poor state of repair despite having been restored three years ago. Talks are ongoing with the Conservation Officer about its future. Maybe there will have to be a replica made?
Other issues in the pipeline: North Tyneside Council has submitted their Wallsend Action Plan for the regeneration of the town centre, which Dr. Mike Casselden studied on behalf of the Society and there will be further consultations, and Bev Bagnall has considered the North Shields Action Plan. October/November will see the Public Consultation by Newcastle City Council on the plan for redeveloping East Pilgrim Street, and I have no doubt that committee members will be attending and making comments.
City and County
November 2008
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