Fury as ‘large concrete block hotel threatens to spoil view’
WHEN pensioner Kevin Williams opens his curtains, he is currently treated to a spectacular view of the River Tyne.
“I can see up the river towards the Sage and the Tyne Bridge,” said the Baltic Quays resident who has enjoyed the view for the past 17 years.
But he – and others living in the plush Quayside flats – fear their vistas could soon be ruined by an imposing “large concrete block of a hotel”.
The 17-storey hotel is part of a £260m planned complex, the centrepiece of which is an “iconic” 12,500seat arena. The waterfront site would also include restaurants and an exhibition centre.
However, Baltic Quays residents fear the hotel will block their views and ruin the iconic landscape.
Fearing their concerns are being ignored by Gateshead Council, they have launched a campaign group called ‘Believe in a Better Gateshead Quays’ to try and get the hotel redesigned.
Peter Bauckham, director of Baltic Quays Management Company, said: “In general, we absolutely support the council’s vision to develop the Gateshead Quays site, but we have grave concerns that the imposing design of hotel element is being overlooked.
“Recently released images of the proposed Gateshead Quays development do not convey the true size and impact the hotel would have on the surrounding area.
“The location, size and proximity of the huge hotel blocks would not result in a ‘sensitive transition between existing and new developments,’ as recommended in recent guidelines commissioned by NHS England and backed by Homes England in ‘Building for a Healthy Life.’
“The hotel development in its current state, would also be in direct contravention of the policies set out in Gateshead Council’s own Health and Wellbeing Strategy, specifically around ensuring healthy living standards for all and developing healthy and sustainable communities.
“This should be an opportunity to add value to the community, to enhance the lives of Gateshead residents, not threaten their welfare. We are asking for the hotel design to be urgently reconsidered.”
As a planning application for the development has now been lodged with Gateshead Council, the authority declined to comment.
If the plans are ultimately approved, the site is expected to open in 2023 while the arena would likely replace the Utilita Arena on the other side of the Tyne.
Located on land between the Sage and the Baltic, the SMG Europe-operated arena would – according to the council’s leader – be “truly world class”.
“This is an exciting step forward for Gateshead and North East England,” Martin Gannon previously said.
“This development is a catalyst for regional growth within the retail, hotel and leisure sectors.”
But Mr Williams is struggling to share his excitement, especially as his view of the Tyne could soon be replaced with a slab of concrete.
“Our flat is one that will be most affected by this large concrete block of a hotel that’s going to be built at the moment,” he added.
“When the hotel is built, three of my four windows will have a wall about 10 metres away.
“I’m concerned about that from a health and wellbeing perspective, as I am a pensioner. I don’t think it would be a very healthy environment to live in.”