Major update on grand vision to turn old tramshed in Newcastle West End into something very different

Councillors are due to decide this week whether the historic site opposite The Beacon in Westgate Road can be extended and refurbished to create an aparthotel.

The long, rectangular building dates back to 1903 and was once the Wingrove depot of the Newcastle Corporation Tramways, which once ran more than 300 trams across the city.

More recently used as a car wash and the Tyre Supermarket, a developer now wants to turn the tramsheds into a 50-room aparthotel.

Proposals lodged last year by Newcastle Car Wash Ltd would also see a gym, cafe, and underground car park built as part of the redevelopment, as well as 50 duplex rooms containing a total 200 bedspaces.

Their application argues that the idea would “make effective use of a large, and currently under-utilised piece of brownfield land” and that finding a “viable long-term use for the site will also provide much needed repairs and upgrades to the fabric of the tramshed building”.

However, the plans are being recommended for refusal ahead of a meeting of Newcastle City Council’s planning committee this Friday.

City planners say that the proposed 59-space basement car park would “undermine the prioritisation of the use of sustainable transport” in a busy part of the city.

They also said the applicant had provided insufficient information on noise attenuation measures and what would be done to mitigate the stability risks posed by shallow coal mine workings in the area.

A council report states: “The potential economic benefits of the development and the lack of an objection to the application from Northumbria Police are noted, but it is not considered that these matters outweigh the issues of concern and conflict with planning policy which have been set out above.”

Planners added that it is “not considered that the proposed development would address an identified need as the proposed uses, which comprise a gym and aparthotel are not in short supply in Newcastle”.

Four members of the public have made comments in support of the application, welcoming the potential return of the tramsheds to active use.

One supporter wrote: “I believe this development will bring renewed life and purpose to the building while preserving its character and significance in the area. Having a well-managed apartment hotel will enhance the local economy by attracting visitors and increasing foot traffic to nearby businesses.”

Two comments were made in opposition to the plans, raising concerns about increased traffic on surrounding roads, a lack of sufficient parking, and potential anti-social behaviour issues.

The council previously approved plans in 2016 for a 40-bed hotel with a restaurant, gym, underground car park and a two-storey extension at the old tramsheds. However, that development never went ahead.

At its peak the Newcastle tramway system, which opened in 1901, had more than 300 trams in service around the city.

But the network was gradually replaced by buses and the last tram was withdrawn in 1950.