Seven abandoned Newcastle buildings and what they used to be
There are a number of sites in Newcastle and Gateshead which have lay empty for a number of years.
Newcastle and Gateshead are constantly undergoing redevelopment and revamps but more often than not buildings get left behind.
Some of these buildings have been adandoned for decades and fallen into such a state of disrepair there are no plans for what comes next. Others are about to be given a new lease of life after lying dormant for too long.
All of the buildings on this list are historic and a part of Newcastle’s DNA; most of them dating back hundreds of years and some of them protected by heritage projects.
1. Buffalo Joe’s
Nestled under the High Level Bridge lies the remnants of a once bustling Gateshead club scene. Buffalo Joe’s was a tacky but iconic nightclub that shut down in the early 2010s and has been left untouched ever since. It’s now up for sale, however, with the 4am license still in place. Photo: Google Maps
2. Central Snooker Club
The former Central Snooker Club has stood empty for years. The city centre building used to house Madison’s nightclub and Maceys until the 90s. A large section of the building has been a hotel since 1976, originally the Newcastle Centre Hotel its since had many names- Forte Crest Hotel in the 80s, Holiday Inn in 90s, Premier Inn in the 00s and now the New Bridge Hotel. In 2022, plans were lodged to turn the building into a 37 storey tower which will house apartments, restaurants and a hotel. Photo: Google Maps
3. Whosit & Whatsit on the Quayside
In 2016 the designer shop which championed local artists permanently closed its doors leaving a prime Quayside building empty. I doubt it’ll be empty for much longer, however, as this part of the Quayside is thriving with the opening of late-night bar Zerox. Photo: Google Maps
4. Windmill Hills
Overlooking Gateshead Interchange is the abandoned care home which has been boarded up for nearly 20 years. The controversial Church of Scientology bought the building back in 2007 to become their North East base however work is yet to start on the Victorian building. Photo: Google Maps