N&N objects to Forth Goods Yard proposals
The Forth Goods Yard in Newcastle is earmarked for 514 build-to-rent apartments and a 655-space multi-storey car park, under proposals being considered by Newcastle City Council.
The vaulted undercroft is the only surviving feature of the former Forth Banks Goods Station, which was built between 1866 and 1871. It closed in 1963.
Tim Wickens, Trustee of The Northumberland and Newcastle Society and chair of Newcastle Conservation Advisory Panel (NCAP) said it was;
“deeply disturbing that such valuable and irreplaceable historic fabric could be lost forever”.
In its objection to the plans, the N&N Society and NCAP stated:
“Forth Goods Yard is located within an area of the city that collectively gives context to the group richness of railway heritage, and the historic undercroft is an asset that we can ill afford to lose. This heritage has been instrumental as the basis of regenerating the adjacent Stephenson Quarter and Founders Place, recognising their status as the birthplace of globally significant railway engineering.
In summary we are opposed to the principle of this proposed development on grounds of impact on the historic environment, generic lack of respect for heritage, specifically harm to the undercroft and to the setting of other heritage assets.”
View the proposals here
[Image of the Victorian undercroft ©Railway Heritage Trust]
