Tesco reveals plans to demolish Gateshead Get Carter car park

Gateshead residents will shortly be consulted on controversial plans to replace a 1960s “brutalist” car park featured in 1970s British gangster film Get Carter and replace it with a Tesco-led mixed-use development. Heritage group The Twentieth Century Society has called for the 3.5ha car park, designed by Owen Luder to be included in the North East town centre’s regeneration programme. But yesterday, Tesco, in partnership with commercial property arm Spen Hill Developments and Gateshead council confirmed the car park would be demolished in November. Tesco said it would shortly be going to consultation on plans for a comprehensive regeneration of the site which is home to the Trinity Square shopping centre and car park. Plans will include a Tesco store, cafes and restaurants, apartments a cinema and car parking, as well as improved landscaping and transport connections Councillor Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “It is unavoidable that regeneration on this scale will mean major change but without it we could not deliver a modern centre that local people deserve.” Get Carter is regarded as a landmark in UK film-making because of its gritty portrayal of England’s underworld. At its climax, Bryan Mosley, who went on to be Coronation Street greengrocer Alf Roberts, is thrown off the top of the Trinity Square car park by Michael Caine.