Hopes for facelift for run-down old brewery
CRIME-HIT VICTORIAN BUILDING IS TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER
A FORMER brewery that has fallen into a state of disrepair is going under the hammer.
The Blackhill Brewery in Consett, County Durham, was originally built by Richard Murray alongside the Royal Park Hotel in the late 19th Century.
The business grew and was eventually combined with the Vaux Brewery in Sunderland, becoming North Eastern Brewery.
But the Victorian building has become an eyesore since its closure and is a target for antisocial behaviour.
Despite plans to convert the building into flats having been approved in 2015, nothing has been done to the site.
Now, the building is set to be sold at auction at J Wood Auctions.
The auction house states: “This former brewery is set for a new lease of life as residential accommodation, with planning permission for the conversion of this substantial building into seven apartments, over four storeys.”
The development is a mixture of twoand one-bedroom flats, with two flats on the ground, first and second floor and one on the third floor.
A heritage statement submitted to Durham County Council with the planning application states: “The deterioration that has occurred creates an eyesore within the area.
“This notable building has been used previously as a drug den and cannabis farm and in its current state attracts crime, vermin and pigeons, all of which [problems] will be addressed in the redevelopment of the brewery.
“The building has not operated successfully as a commercial enterprise for a number of years and has become dilapidated and run-down.”
The property will be auctioned on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel in Gosforth, Newcastle.