Can you make a difference with city landmark?
LANDMARK BUILDING COULD BE RESTORED TO GLORY
EFFORTS are being made to safeguard the future of a historic Tyneside landmark.
In 1860 industrialist and inventor Sir William, later Lord,Armstrong commissioned architect John Dobson to design a banqueting hall in what is now Jesmond Dene in Newcastle in which to entertain his visitors.
Now, Newcastle City Council is launching a drive to preserve and develop the deteriorating hall and lodge. The hall was built near Sir William’s home of Jesmond Dean on Jesmond Dene Road.
In 1870 it was extended by architect Norman Shaw, who designed a lodge adjoining the hall and who also worked on Sir William’s home at Cragside, in Northumberland.
The properties were gifted to the people of Newcastle in 1883 by Sir William, with the deed stating they should be used for lectures, recitals, concerts, banquets and meetings under the themes of the arts, literature, science or education.
Now the council is asking for expressions of Interest from businesses, groups and organisations, who might have a range of exciting ideas to help refurbish the buildings – but in keeping with the wishes of Sir William.
The hall originally housed paintings, sculptures, and even a water-powered organ.
Coun Kim McGuinness, the council’s cabinet member for culture and communities, said: “Jesmond Dene banqueting hall and lodge are etched into the heritage of the city as widely respected examples of classical Victorian architecture.
“This is a rare and exciting opportunity to breathe new life into the muchloved buildings and help to secure their future whilst remaining true to their original ideology and purpose.
“We’re committed to this original purpose. It was Sir William Armstrong’s
wish that the park and its buildings serve the city, that they should be places to facilitate art and creativity and to empower people with knowledge and education.
“We very much look forward to receiving creative suggestions over the coming months to complement our Green Flag awarded park.”
The council says the campaign will allow people to creatively think about how to best use the ingredients of location, assets, heritage and future income, with any development being subject to planning and Listed Building Consent.
To submit plans and intentions for the site an application pack can be downloaded from www.newcastle.gov.uk/ communityassetlist
The summary of the Deed of Gift from Sir William, an information sheet and a site plan are available through the link.
The hall and lodge are being advertised as a single unit, and not individually. The offer is only by means of a lease as the council is not in a position to offer the freehold of the property. There is an artist’s workshop on site but the lodge is vacant having previously been used as caretaker’s accommodation. The successful bidders will have to demonstrate a clear plan of action showing how both the buildings can be repaired and redeveloped and how the ongoing maintenance costs will be funded. The hall is currently subject to a rolling six-monthly tenancy agreement with a local arts group, the Armstrong Studio Trust. The successful bidder will become the Trust’s direct landlord. All expressions of interest will need to consider how the tenancy will be dealt with in the context of the overall scheme. The expressions of interest will be open for eight weeks.
We very much look forward to receiving creative suggestions over the coming months