Dig condition for hall development
Reporter PLANS to turn a disused historic building into a conference and business centre in Newcastle’s West End look set to be approved later this week – with the condition that the site gets an archaeological excavation because it is on the route of Hadrian’s Wall.
The owners of Newcastle wealth management firm Tier One Capital bought Pendower Hall from Newcastle City Council last year, and have drawn up plans for it to be converted into a wedding, conference and exhibition centre, along with offices for themselves and other firms.
The proposals are coming before the council’s planning committee on Friday, with councillors being recommended to approve the plans with the aim of bringing “neglected” buildings into use.
A list of conditions would be attached to the development’s planning permission, many of them based around the hall’s historic value both as a Grade IIlisted Victorian mansion and because of its position on the site of Roman Wall.
The plans have been backed by veteran Newcastle councillor Lord Beecham, who said: “Pendower Hall Limited is aiming to breathe life back into a Grade IIlisted building, which has stood empty for a decade. That’s to be commended.
“In my opinion, the proposed transformation into a hub for businesses and a conference and banqueting facility for up to 450 in the Grand Hall is just what the area needs. The developers have worked closely with and actually listened to the residents and this is reflected in the final plans, which I think look very acceptable.”
The conversion would also benefit the nearby Hadrian Special School, which would get expanded facilities, a new car park and re-designed grounds.
In May it was announced that the SME Centre of Excellence run by Ammar Mirza would become the anchor tenant in the scheme, providing a range of services for start-up and growing firms.
Three more firms – Cascade Cash Management, Dinosauria, and Invenium – have since signed up to have first choice as business tenants should the scheme be approved.