New lease agreed to protect historic Gateshead building
Gateshead Council has agreed a long lease arrangement with Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust to secure the future of .
The Grade 1 listed building was formerly the parish church for Gateshead and features spectacular medieval architecture. As a heritage centre, St Mary's is currently used by the council's libraries and arts teams for local history talks, exhibitions and workshops as well as weddings and other private hire events.
However, the income generated through these activities has not been enough to cover the costs of running and maintaining the building and its surroundings. Recognising that the current position is not sustainable, the council has carefully considered all available options for the future management of the site.
Leasing the site to a trustworthy and experienced heritage partner was agreed as the best solution for protecting the building and giving it a sustainable future, whilst relieving some of the council's financial pressures. With a strong track record of repairing, restoring and safeguarding local historic buildings and structures, Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust is ideally placed to ensure that St Mary's can be enjoyed by future generations.
Bev Robinson, Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust, said:
"Ensuring the future of St Mary's as a heritage asset for the people of Gateshead is central to Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust's stewardship of the building. Both St Mary's and the Dunston Staiths (also managed by the Trust) are key iconic structures that will play significant roles in the new 'Tyne Derwent Way' - a UK Shared Prosperity Funded project. To be developed in collaboration with local communities and in partnership with Gateshead Council, The National Trust, and Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, The Tyne Derwent Way will create spaces for people to access and enjoy this area, through culture, heritage, nature and the arts.
St Mary's is an impressive venue and, as demonstrated by Gateshead Council, it adds its own special quality to every event held there. Alongside being part of the Tyne Derwent Way, we want to make St Mary's available for hire. If you would be interested in using it for an event or conference please email info@twbpt.org.uk."
Councillor Angela Douglas, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said:
"It's regrettable that due to budget pressures, we're unable to continue with the management of St Mary's. However, we're confident that this arrangement will ensure that the building remains open to the public.
We are in the process of finalising the details of the lease and ensuring the building is in the best possible condition before the handover, which may mean a temporary closure is necessary. We will arrange appropriate security measures if this is the case.
Thank you to the centre's visitors for their patience and to the St Mary's Heritage Group for their support and understanding. We will continue to work closely with this group and the Trust to help inform the centre's future use and protect one of Gateshead's most valued historic buildings."
Libraries and arts services currently delivered from St Mary's Heritage Centre will continue to run from other sites and no jobs are at risk.
The current programme of events runs until November and includes coffee mornings, family history surgeries and Halloween activities. All advertised events are going ahead as planned and all private hire customers are unaffected.
Gateshead Council has agreed a long lease arrangement with Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust to secure the future of .
The Grade 1 listed building was formerly the parish church for Gateshead and features spectacular medieval architecture. As a heritage centre, St Mary's is currently used by the council's libraries and arts teams for local history talks, exhibitions and workshops as well as weddings and other private hire events.
However, the income generated through these activities has not been enough to cover the costs of running and maintaining the building and its surroundings. Recognising that the current position is not sustainable, the council has carefully considered all available options for the future management of the site.
Leasing the site to a trustworthy and experienced heritage partner was agreed as the best solution for protecting the building and giving it a sustainable future, whilst relieving some of the council's financial pressures. With a strong track record of repairing, restoring and safeguarding local historic buildings and structures, Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust is ideally placed to ensure that St Mary's can be enjoyed by future generations.
Bev Robinson, Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust, said:
"Ensuring the future of St Mary's as a heritage asset for the people of Gateshead is central to Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust's stewardship of the building. Both St Mary's and the Dunston Staiths (also managed by the Trust) are key iconic structures that will play significant roles in the new 'Tyne Derwent Way' - a UK Shared Prosperity Funded project. To be developed in collaboration with local communities and in partnership with Gateshead Council, The National Trust, and Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, The Tyne Derwent Way will create spaces for people to access and enjoy this area, through culture, heritage, nature and the arts.
St Mary's is an impressive venue and, as demonstrated by Gateshead Council, it adds its own special quality to every event held there. Alongside being part of the Tyne Derwent Way, we want to make St Mary's available for hire. If you would be interested in using it for an event or conference please email info@twbpt.org.uk."
Councillor Angela Douglas, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said:
"It's regrettable that due to budget pressures, we're unable to continue with the management of St Mary's. However, we're confident that this arrangement will ensure that the building remains open to the public.
We are in the process of finalising the details of the lease and ensuring the building is in the best possible condition before the handover, which may mean a temporary closure is necessary. We will arrange appropriate security measures if this is the case.
Thank you to the centre's visitors for their patience and to the St Mary's Heritage Group for their support and understanding. We will continue to work closely with this group and the Trust to help inform the centre's future use and protect one of Gateshead's most valued historic buildings."
Libraries and arts services currently delivered from St Mary's Heritage Centre will continue to run from other sites and no jobs are at risk.
The current programme of events runs until November and includes coffee mornings, family history surgeries and Halloween activities. All advertised events are going ahead as planned and all private hire customers are unaffected.
