Newcastle-upon-Tyne pub looks set for demolition despite campaign
A north east pub which recently reopened after a £100,000 revamp now looks doomed to demolition.
Despite a fierce campaign to save the Whin Dyke, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, developers have refused to reconsider their plans.
And regulars have also been told that there is no chance of moving the popular pub to a site nearby.
The pub, which is next to the Denton Park Shopping Centre, was reopened in March after being badly damaged in a fire caused by an electrical fault.
But the celebrations were marred by revelations in the local evening newspaper, just days before, that planners want to demolish the Whin Dyke as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment.
The pub is one of 429 owned by the Chester-based Pyramid Pub Management.
But Newcastle City Council has now placed a compulsory purchase order on the building, despite staff collecting a 600-name petition opposing the plans and calling for a public inquiry.
Area Manager Denise Higgins said: "The developers have told us they are definitely going to demolish the pub and there was nowhere else for us to go.
"Customers are absolutely gutted but the campaign will continue. Everybody is determined to fight."
Adrian Goodall, director of Rokeby Developments, running the £20 million Project said: "We appreciate concerns of pub customers and if we could find an alternative we would."
Related articles:
Newly refurbished Newcastle pub faces demolition threat (9 April 2002)
