A developer has acquired a grade II listed North East town hall - and is set to convert it into homes. 

Social impact developers Capital&Centric have confirmed they plan to give Gateshead’s historic Old Town Hall a new lease of life.

It was reported last month that the Manchester-based developers were planning an expansion to the North East and were in early discussions with Gateshead Council about potential sites.

Now, they’ve signed an agreement to acquire and "sensitively repurpose" the stunning Grade II listed building into "design-led" new homes. 

The team’s architects are now working up a vision to bring the building back into use, with more to be revealed in the coming months as a planning application is worked up.

The municipal heart of Gateshead for some 120 years, the Victorian grade two listed building previously housed offices, the council’s main debating chamber, a magistrates’ court complete with cell block, a police station and a police house.

With previous projects breathing life into old buildings by converting them into mixed-use community buildings, restaurants, film studios, modular homes, and hotels, the redevelopment firm hopes to turn the brownfield site into a local asset. 

The team – known for delivering "standout neighbourhoods" and bringing historic buildings back to life – have identified Gateshead and the North East region as a "natural area for expansion."

John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric said: “The Old Town Hall is a local landmark that really stops you in your tracks as you pass by.

"We want to preserve and celebrate its history, but repurpose it for a new generation to enjoy for decades to come.

"We’re working up proposals for it to become new homes and can’t wait to share our ideas over the coming months.

"It makes sense that this building, which served the people of Gateshead for so long, can be reinvented to do so once again.”

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Anneliese Hutchinson, Gateshead Council's Interim Strategic Director for Economy, Innovation and Growth, said: “We are delighted that Capital&Centric have today confirmed they do want to redevelop this historic building, breathing new life into it by converting it into apartments.

"They have an exemplary record of accomplishment in developing historic buildings nationwide and we feel privileged they have now chosen Gateshead as their next project.

“The building has latterly been in use by a few social and cultural sector bodies, but it has always been our intention to look at a more permanent solution. This development will be a key part of our town centre regeneration plans and we look forward to working with them on this.”