Manchester-based social impact developer Capital & Centric has confirmed that it plans to give Gateshead’s historic Old Town Hall a new lease of life.
Capital & Centric has signed an agreement with Gateshead Council to “acquire and sensitively repurpose the stunning Grade II listed building into design-led new homes.”
The only surviving purpose-built town hall in Tyne and Wear, it was once the council headquarters until the chamber, civic suite and council officers were relocated to the new civic centre in 1987. Capital & Centric said its architects are now working up a vision to bring the building back into use, with more to be revealed in the coming months as a planning application is completed.
Capital & Centric said: “Capital & Centric has built a loyal following by restoring and repurposing some of the UK’s iconic historic buildings, turning them into new homes, work and cultural spaces fit for the 21st Century … Having already delivered a slew of regeneration projects across the North of England – including in Manchester, Stockport and Sheffield – the Old Town Hall will mark their first foray into the North East.”
John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital & Centric, said: “The Old Town Hall is a local landmark that really stops you in your tracks as you pass by. We want to preserve and celebrate its history, but repurpose it for a new generation to enjoy for decades to come. We’re working up proposals for it to become new homes and can’t wait to share our ideas over the coming months. It makes sense that this building, which served the people of Gateshead for so long, can be reinvented to do so once again.”
Capital & Centric’s founders Tim Heatley and Adam Higgins have featured on TV shows including Channel 4’s Big Interiors Battle and the BBC’s Manctopia.
They have gained a reputation for reinventions of old buildings and brownfield sites, from Victorian mills to brutalist concrete 60s relics.
Anneliese Hutchinson, Gateshead Council’s Interim Strategic Director for Economy, Innovation and Growth, said “We are delighted that Capital & Centric have today confirmed they do want to redevelop this historic building, breathing new life into it by converting it into apartments. They have an exemplary record of accomplishment in developing historic buildings nationwide and we feel privileged they have now chosen Gateshead as their next project.”