THERE are fears for the future of one of the North-East's oldest and best-known music venues as it approaches its 75th anniversary.

Newcastle City Council is looking for firms to redevelop the City Hall to help fund an Olympic swimming pool.

The grade II listed building in Northumberland Street has hosted some of the biggest names in pop and rock down the years, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

The Labour-run council says that retaining it as a concert venue is its preferred option but it will look at other proposals for the building and the swimming pool and Turkish baths next door.

City council Liberal Democrat leader Greg Stone said he was concerned that the city could lose a major live music venue.

"We have lost the Riverside and the Mayfair and it would be a great loss to the city if this were to go.

"It would ludicrous if we lost a cultural venue when we are bidding for the European Capital of Culture."

The council hopes to raise money to build what would be the region's first Olympic-sized pool, costing £15.1m, on land nearby.