A NORTH EAST leisure complex popular with thousands of people per day will remain closed for the rest of the weekend following an emergency evacuation of the facility earlier in the week.

The Gate in Newcastle has been closed for almost 40 hours after diners and cinema-goers were evacuated on Thursday evening.

Those caught up in the evacuation expressed worry and concern as many were left waiting outside only to be informed the venue would remain closed for the rest of the night.

Read more: Update provided on The Gate in Newcastle venue and its car parks

A statement was provided shortly after which said bosses had "identified a safety concern with the building" and that it would be closed for the foreseeable.

The initial statement read: "As a precaution, we have implemented a temporary closure of The Gate due to some potential safety concerns.

"The health and safety of all those in and around our building is our utmost priority.

The Northern Echo: The Gate in Newcastle. Picture: GOOGLE.The Gate in Newcastle. Picture: GOOGLE.

"We recognise the impact this closure will have on the businesses and visitors of The Gate and apologise for the disruption.

"We are working to re-open as soon as it is safe and practical to do so."

However, The Gate has now provided an updated statement, which reads: "The remainder of The Gate and the car park remains closed and will not be reopening this weekend."

The Northern Echo: The update from the venue posted yesterday. Picture: THE GATE.The update from the venue posted yesterday. Picture: THE GATE.

Despite the closure, nearby The Lofts, Ther Mayfair and The Hustle, which neighbour the site and are connected by a walkway, remain open.

Northumbria Police confirmed it is not involved with the incident nor was it involved on Thursday.

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