Is time being called on historic building?

COUNCIL ADMITS THERE’S LITTLE IT CAN DO TO SAVE IT

LITTLE can be done to save one of Tyneside’s oldest pubs after its owner was accused of letting the 16th century building rot so it can be demolished.

Newcastle city council said there is not alot it can do to preserve The Cooperage on the Quayside.

In a petition launched on Monday it is said The Cooperage has been left derelict with the aim to reduce it “to a condition that will result in its demolition”.

The petition demands a “speedy resolution” to preserve the Tudor architecture for future generations.

The protest was backed by more than 3,500 signatures within 20 hours of going online.

Bought by Manners Ltd - a company linked to Apartment Group - in 2010, the Cooperage has a history dating back to the 16th Century and is the most complete medieval timber-frame building in Newcastle.

Last year, Historic England placed The Cooperage on its list of historic buildings which are most at risk, citing concerns about broken drainpipes and a lack of upkeep.

The council is also worried about the state of the building, but admitted it has little power to force the owner to look after it.

A council spokesperson said: “The Cooperage is one of Newcastle’s most iconic historic buildings, and it’s a concern to us that it is listed on Historic England’s Buildings at Risk Register. However, it is privately owned and the responsibility lies with the owner and not the council to keep it in good condition.