City centre bridge could close for five years

A city centre footbridge could be closed for up to five years due to construction work near its staircase.

The walkway over Durant Road in Newcastle-upon-Tyne was shut off due to Northumbria University's development work at MEA House.

Newcastle City Council confirmed the bridge was taken out of action because the stairway next to Ellison Place car park on its northern side was inaccessible as it fell within the building site.

A closure order stated restrictions could be in place for up to five years, but that "could be shortened or extended" depending on the progress of the building works.

The footbridge connected to a wider network of walkways linking to Hadrian House and the New Bridge Street hotel, both of which also form part of regeneration plans.

A spokesperson for the Liberal-Democrat led council said: "In order to prevent unauthorised access to the construction site, and to ensure public safety, we are... temporarily closing the footbridge at both ends for the duration of the works.

"During this time pedestrians will need to use alternative routes and nearby pedestrian crossings."

MEA House was sold to the university in 2023, forcing charities based there to move out, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Plans were unveiled earlier this year for a £60m student accommodation development on the site of Hadrian House.

Sona Estates and Argon planned to demolish the office block and its surrounding walkways - described as a "dilapidated" and "unsafe" remnant of Newcastle's T Dan Smith era - to make way for a 21-storey housing complex.

Gainford Group also has proposals for a 29-storey residential tower and a new hotel at the New Bridge Street Hotel site.

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