The demolition of the "Get Carter" car park in Trinity Square, Gateshead enters its 9th week and as this photograph (taken today) shows, there's not long to go. The decision to demolish the car park was met with delight in some quarters - the brutalist architecture and concrete exterior was never going to please all who clapped eyes. Others who perhaps have an appreciation for this kind of 1960s architecture, who hold popular culture in high regard or who revere local heritage were understandably saddened by the news. But, could there really have been any justification for allowing this iconic structure to remain simply as a monument to a 1971 British gangster flick? I think so.
I feel the car park has, in part, been neglected and has suffered to a large degree at the hands of external factors. For most of its life, the car park has existed in a severe state of disrepair and indeed, in its latter years, has been closed for safety reasons. Original plans to build a café on the roof were realised but tenants were never secured and plans to provide access to the existing market square were poorly executed. Externally, the advent of the Eldon Square shopping centre across the river in Newcastle and the MetroCentre, a few miles along the A1, left Gateshead dead and buried, from a commercial point of view. And at the centre of this detritus stood the “Get Carter” car park.
In my view, the council are punching above their weight if they think Gateshead town centre’s prowess as a shopping capital is anything other than a thing of the past. The plans for the site are so contemporary and lacking imagination, it’s painful, and it’s fair to say, the only thought injected into this has been for maximising revenue and pleasing the residents. Residents who, for the most part, no doubt shop at the MetroCentre these days anyway.
To say the car park is ugly is subjective and a little too easy. Brash: maybe, dominating: definitely but ugly is such a harsh word. There were mixed views when it was announced that the Baltic flour mill (built only 20 years before the car park) would be converted into the excellent centre for contemporary art we all know today - in fact, the idea was heavily criticised. Dilapidated and in danger of collapse ever since the major fire suffered in 1979, the floor mill building stood amongst a desolate Gateshead quayside and stood almost staring in envy at the revitalised Newcastle quayside across the Tyne. These days, Gateshead’s quayside is unrecognisable and, along with the Sage music centre, Baltic stands as a monument to both history and the future. Baltic has since been warmly welcomed as an art centre and a local attraction, and, aesthetically, it’s a fine example of what can be achieved by restoring an historic building which otherwise was destined for demolition.
Given more thought, more imagination, the Trinity Square site could have been so much more. Much more than a car park, an eye sore or the signature of a shopping centre that serves no-one. Why not celebrate one of the finest British films of our time and laud its Gateshead connections? During the ‘80s and ‘90s proposals were put forward to convert the car park into an art space or events venue but it’s clear that the council were holding out for what every town centre seemingly needs these days. A shiny new Tesco.
What the future holds for the site is detailed here in this bright and colourful website:
Amongst the planned of bevy bars, shops, office space and restaurants there is still room for... yes, you've guessed it, a car park...
