For the past two decades visitors to Newcastle city centre can't have failed to have noticed the imposing building on the corner of Pilgrim Street and Worswick Street which has been surrounded by scaffolding and shrouded in netting.
Once a city auction house, Worswick Chambers stood empty and derelict until now, where it has undergone a Cinderella-like transformation which will see it become an exciting new addition to Newcastle’s leisure scene.
STACK Newcastle should open its doors next spring, a stone’s throw away from where the original STACK concept was launched.
It was the success of that original venture – bringing together street food, bars, retails outlets and live entertainment – all under one roof that was the springboard for a brand which is now being rolled out nationally.
With STACK Seaburn, St. James’s STACK and STACK Lincoln currently running and STACK Middlesbrough due to open later this year and other projects lined up for Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Whitley Bay, Wigan, Bishop Auckland, Durham, Carlisle and Northampton, STACK continues to go from strength to strength.
But there’s no doubt that the return of a permanent STACK Newcastle will have a special place in the hearts of both those who were fans – and those who are behind the ambitious scheme.
Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, can’t wait for the doors to be open and people to see the astonishing transformation to Worswick Chambers.
As a Grade II listed building many of the original features have been kept and lovingly restored, along with a three floor extension to the side built from shipping containers, which will create a stunning leisure hub.
“It is already taking shape and looking absolutely spectacular,” said Neill.
“We know how much people loved the original STACK so to be able to create this – not far from the original site – is something very special to us all.
“The landlord has done an incredible job in bringing it to its current level and we will now be starting on the fit-out, which will fully take advantage of the inside-outside feel.”
STACK Newcastle will be a cornerstone of the wider scheme to regenerate the Pilgrim Street area and to breathe new life into what has been one of the more rundown areas of the city.
With its street food outlets, bars, games room, cocktail bar and retail units STACK Newcastle will play a huge part in improving the whole area.
With a capacity of up to 3000 people, STACK Newcastle will be the biggest site to date, bringing together both the past and present in complete harmony.
“The landlord has worked very closely with the planners and conservation to retain as many elements as possible, despite the fact that it was in a bad state of repair,” said Neill.
“But it has been brought back to something that looks absolutely amazing.”
For further details on all STACKs visit www.stackleisure.com