Complex shut due to ‘safety concerns’

NEWCASTLE’S The Gate leisure complex will remain closed this weekend. The decision comes after the city centre entertainment complex was evacuated on Thursday evening due to ‘safety concerns’. Cinema-goers and diners were evacuated from the multi-storey complex and all screenings at the Cineworld cinema were cancelled, with customers told they could claim a refund on pre-booked tickets.

The Gate issued a statement which said: “As a precaution we have implemented a temporary closure of The Gate due to some potential safety concerns.”

However, they were unable to provide further information on the cause of the temporary closure.

Posters taped to the windows said that The Gate is closed “until further notice” due to “unforeseen circumstances”. The sign also said they were “working to restore business as usual” as people arrived at the building yesterday morning to realise it was shut.

But last night The Gate issued an update confirming that the complex, as well as its car park, would remain closed all weekend.

In a statement published on their website and social media, The Gate said: “The following venues remain open: The Lofts, The Mayfair and The Hustle. The remainder of The Gate and the Car Park will not be reopening this weekend.”

The Gate is home to a number of restaurants, including Nando’s and Pizza Hut, and also houses a cinema, casino, as well as various other entertainment venues which specialise in activities such as gaming and axethrowing.

Thousands of people would usually access the complex and its car park over the weekend.