Proposed tower ‘would destroy beloved views’
A PUB boss fears that building a giant tower block at the mouth of the Ouseburn will damage one of Tyneside’s most famous views.
The manager of the Free Trade Inn has spoken out against plans for an 18-storey complex that would dramatically alter the beautiful Quayside scene enjoyed by punters from the watering hole’s beer garden.
Mick Potts said he was “extremely worried” about the massive regeneration proposals for Malmo Quay and neighbouring Spillers Quay put forward by developers PfP-Igloo.
However, the developers say they need such a big building in order to make it financially viable to build on the long-vacant Malmo site.
Mr Potts said: “It’s our opinion that a building of that size is completely inappropriate for the area, and would adversely dominate the skyline of the Quayside, Ouseburn and East End.
“We’d be extremely worried about the impact on the world famous view from the Free Trade Inn, but also the views and sightlines enjoyed by many other residents and businesses of the East End of the city.
“The views of the Tyne, its bridges and landmarks like the Sage and Baltic deserve to be protected.
“We’re also concerned about the impact on local infrastructure and in particular parking, with only 24 parking spaces provided on Malmo Quay.”
The latest development plans are actually far smaller than a 32-storey skyscraper once proposed for the land, while another 13-floor block earmarked for Malmo Quay also failed to
materialise. PfP Igloo’s designs also include a number of townhouses, shops, a public square and riverside promenade, plus up to 73 more homes in a series of residential buildings on neighbouring Spillers Quay.
Ouseburn councillor Gareth Kane said he “really liked” much of the proposed development, for which a planning application is expected to be lodged in the coming weeks, but could not get on board with the tower block.
The Liberal Democrat said: “The tower sticks out like a sore thumb and completely dominates the landscape. If the argument for it is that the funding required to sort out that site requires a certain number of properties to then be built, then that is the tail wagging the dog. It has to be a good development first and foremost and if there are pragmatic problems with building there then maybe there should be another use for that land.”
Alec Hamlin, a development manager at Igloo, said the company had “deep affection” for Ouseburn after leading the Malings and Lower Steenberg’s Yard housing schemes.
He added: “Malmo Quay is a complex site, but one with vast potential, and we’ve worked on plans for many months that will realise that potential, responsive to the needs of the area and the wider context of the site.
“In ongoing conversation with local businesses, residents and stakeholders, we have fine-tuned our proposals.
“Designs for the building have been tweaked, and the tower has been sited and sculpted to protect views and create a distinctive landmark.
“We have developed proposals that we’re proud of, that are environmentally sympathetic and that deliver an attractive new residential community.”