Gate to stay shut for several weeks
THE Gate in Newcastle will remain closed for at least another four weeks due to safety concerns on May 5.
Diners and cinemagoers were evacuated from the venue on 11 days ago and notices were fixed to the entrance of The Gate informing the public that it is closed “until further notice” due to “unforeseen circumstances” and they are “working to restore business as usual”.
On May 10, The Crown Estate, which has owned The Gate since 2012, issued an update on the reason behind the venue’s closure. It explained that the temporary closure was “to enable the team to carry out further testing of the internal mechanisms that prevent the spread of a fire, to ensure these mechanisms meet the highest standard of fire safety.”
No further details were provided and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said it had no involvement in the closure of The Gate.
Newcastle City Council said it had been made aware of a health and safety matter but it was something Crown Estates would have to liaise with the fire service about.
On Monday, The Crown Estate said that, following investigation, it will now be carrying out an upgrade to some of the systems and measures, “to ensure we continue to operate at the highest safety standards”. Whilst these works are carried out The Gate will remain closed for “at least four weeks”.
The Crown Estate added that it “recognises the impact this closure will have on businesses and visitors of The Gate, and apologise for the disruption” and it will remain in close dialogue with those affected.