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City centre spruced up by shrouds?

Shrouds could be draped over run-down and vacant buildings as part of plans to spruce up Newcastle city centre during the recession.

City council chiefs realise it may take a long time to secure the redevelopment of the East Pilgrim Street area during the economic slump.

They say that given the long-term nature of the plan for the area - which covers 40 acres between Saville Row, off Northumberland Street, the Central Motorway and Swan House roundabout, they are not concerned about the prospects for the area.

But with developers shying away from schemes and retailers feeling the pinch, the city council says it will take time to secure the long-term future of the area.

In the meantime they are looking at temporary ways to improve the appearance of the area.

Coun Bill Shepherd, the council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “It has always been a 10-year programme. The economy is cyclical and this will come about over a long period of time.

“I’m not worried. It just means the pace of delivery will be appropriate to the economic situation. Discussions about putting shrouds over derelict buildings are in early days.”

It is hoped the East Pilgrim Street plan will cement Newcastle’s role as the region’s top shopping destination and revitalise a neglected part of the city centre.

A draft plan for the area was approved in February and is currently out for consultation, after which the council will begin looking for developers to take on the project.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .