New lease of life for former tourist centre

An application has been submitted to change the former TIC and public toilets building on Queen Street, by the Town Square, to retail use.

It has been out of action since June last year with the county council looking to lease it to another user.

But the local authority has said that whatever the building’s future use, there will be public-toilet provision.

The bid has sparked one letter of support so far and no objections.

George Street resident Guy Nutting said: “The demise of the tourist information centre is regrettable and a proper facility is needed.

“However, the building lies empty and I am surprised that it has not been vandalised. As a near neighbour, this is a worry.

“So using it for this purpose is an excellent idea, serving as a link between Queen Street and the Harbour Village.”

The building is currently being advertised for rent via George F White, described as ‘a modern property in a good location within the town’ and ‘versatile accommodation’.

With a guide rent of £7,500 a year, the particulars also mention ‘the possibility for alternative use subject to change of use application’.

They continue: ‘Formerly occupied by Northumberland County Council as a tourist information office, the property is well situated within the town being next to the Town Square and close to the busy regenerated harbour area with its weekend markets and recently erected small retail pods.

‘The new tenant would be expected to take over management of the public WCs in terms of opening, closing and cleaning. The landlord would consider a wider proposal to utilise the area of the toilets if public facilities were provided as part of a larger scheme.’

The application (18/01604/CCD) can be viewed and commented on at https://publicaccess.northumberland.gov.uk/

Ben O'Connell, Local Democracy Reporting Service