Hundreds sign a petition to save a historic North Shields pub from demolition

A petition to save The Redburn pub, on Wallsend Road in North Shields, from demolition has been signed by more than 550 people.

North Tyneside Council granted permission on Tuesday, December 12, to demolish the former pub and build a 24-hour petrol station in its place.

Councillor Rebecca O'Keefe, of the Chirton Ward, opposed the demolition of the building during the planning application process and set up the online petition, which at the time of writing, has been signed by 557 people.

On the Change.org petition, she stated: "For generations, The Redburn pub, originally known as St John’s Vicarage, has been an integral part of our community in Percy Main and Chirton.

"Built in 1871 and serving as a vicarage until 1955, this building holds countless memories for local residents.

"It was here that many christenings, funerals and weddings were arranged; it was here that we gathered to celebrate milestones when it became The Redburn pub. "Sadly, this historical landmark is under threat. The building and its land have been sold with plans to turn it into a 24-hour petrol station.

"This will result not only in the loss of our beloved pub but also erase an important part of our local history as the structure is set for demolition.

"Despite its historical significance dating back over 150 years ago, The Redburn pub was never listed or added to the local authorities' list of local buildings.

"This oversight should not be a death sentence for such an important piece of our community's heritage.

"We call upon North Tyneside Council and the government to intervene and prevent this unnecessary destruction.

"We urge them to recognise The Redburn pub's importance by adding it to their list of protected buildings before it's too late."

John Sparkes, Head of Regeneration and Economic Development, has confirmed that an application to grant Listed status to the building was rejected.

He said: “Planning permission for the former Redburn Pub site was granted on December 12, 2023, following the usual planning application process.

"This includes the demolition of the existing building. The application was considered by the Planning Committee and objections and representations were considered.

"A request to list the building was submitted to the Government and we were notified by Historic England on January 3, 2024 that the building was not considered suitable for listing.”

Upon rejecting the application for listed status, Historic England provided reasoning for its decision to NewcastleWorld.

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A spokesperson for Historic England commented: “We received an application to list the Former Redburn Pub (formerly known as St John’s Vicarage) in 2023 and after careful consideration have not recommended the site for listing.

"While it is clearly a site loved by the local community and associated with local people and events, the former Redburn pub does not have the special architectural and historic interest needed to merit listing on a national level.” You can view the petition to save The Redburn by visiting: https://www.change.org/p/prevent-the-demolition-of-the-redburn-pub-a-historical-landmark-in-north-shields.