The Old Town Hall, Gateshead

Morrisons as usual this morning.  Then breakfast.  Then a nap on the sofa.  Then I had to go to the Co-op.  When I was there yesterday, amongt other things, I bought a pack of tomatoes.  When I opened them they were very poor quality.  All were soft and had dark brown marks on. Inedible. I decided to return them for a refund.  So I walked to the Co-op, got my refund and then got the bus to Gateshead.

I headed for The Old Town Hall to get my Wide Wednesday blip shot.  The theme today is " Tradition "  (a church, public building, festival.etc )

The Old Town Hall is the only surviving purpose-built Victorian town hall in Tyne and Wear and is one of only five comparable listed Victorian town halls in the North East.

It was built in 1870.  The ornamental clock in front  was presented to Gateshead in 1892 by the mayor, Walter de Lancey Willson, on the occasion of him being elected for a third time. The building also housed a police station, police cells (which can still be seen today), magistrates and county courts, a large public hall, refreshments rooms and more.

A new Civic Centre was built in 1987 and since then the Old Town Hall has  been in use by a number of mainly social and cultural sector bodies.

Last year Dinosauria Ltd agreed a long-term lease on the Town Hall building and other buildings in the same block.  Their Unnatural History Museum will be a unique attraction launching within the UK and this Gateshead site, and will offer an experience for fans of all ages who love fantasy, folklore and science fiction. A further two phases to extend the attraction will follow, including additional leisure space comprising of a themed restaurant, micro brewery and bar.

Even though the lease was obtained last year so far nothing seems to be happening.  So big changes may be in the offing for this lovely old building.  Hopefully there won't be too many changes to the outside.

Thanks to steveng for hosting the challenge.

The weather today was really lovely.  Very sunny and a bit milder. 

Steps today - 10,171

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