Tynemouth library approved for demolition and redevelopment
A library which has served the residents of Tynemouth for 70 years is to be demolished and redeveloped as part of a new community hub.
North Tyneside Council’s planning committee has agreed to the redevelopment of the Tynemouth Library, which has been closed since 2020.
The redevelopment will see the demolition of the existing library, shop, and substation on Front Street.
Work is due to begin in around six months on the library site with a new community hub and residential complex to take its place.
The approved plans include the creation of six flats, a Newcastle Building Society, enhanced library services, tourist information, and toilets.
Historically the proposals had proved controversial generating a total of 32 objections. According to council documents, residents raised over 50 individual objections ranging from how the proposals would affect the character of the area to the perceived impact additional housing would have on parking.
However, Historic England had no objection to the plans, saying: “We consider that the loss of the existing building would cause a less than substantial degree of harm to the significance of the conservation area. We note the difficulty of retaining in full or part the existing building for the proposed library use due to reasons of financial viability.”
With regards to traffic and parking, the council’s report stated: “The site is in Tynemouth village with good links to public transport and there are parking restrictions in the vicinity of the site so a reduced parking provision is considered to be acceptable in this instance.”
Coun Ken Barrie said: “I will be supporting this. I think we need a library in Tynemouth, it will be well used.
“It will be an improvement on the eyesore that is there.”
Coun Chris Johnston said: “I too would support this application. I think the alternative, which would possibly go to a developer, would result in no library for Tynemouth at all.”
Chair of the planning committee, coun Willie Samuel said:“ I certainly will be supporting the application. The proposed building is not so different in character from the building it will be replacing and I think the public benefits of providing a functioning library and community space are very worthy.”