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Student reveals plans for iconic car park

The dilapidated car park made famous by cult classic film Get Carter could be given a new lease of life if a Northumbria University student’s plans for its transformation come to fruition. Emily Walton, a final year Interior Design student, has come up with an innovative design to transform the bleak building in the centre of Gateshead into a “chameleon-like building’’ – adapting to the needs of its customers.

The idea means that by day it would be home to practising artists and designers and a host to conferences and business meetings while by night it could become a venue for bands, together with a fantastic bar and VIP area. The new design features curved windows to showcase the panoramic views and a ‘space-age’ lift.

Emily said: “This car park provokes extreme reaction in everyone who sees it. Some see it as a blot on the landscape that should be torn down while others revere it as an example of ‘brutalist’ architecture. “I believe, with all the development going on in Gateshead such as the Sage and BALTIC, a redevelopment of this nature could really put the heart and soul back into the city centre and create a thriving cultural community.’’

Judith Douthwaite, Emily’s course leader, said: “This project epitomises what our course is all about as by redesigning the space within the building, Emily’s designs have the potential to breathe new life into the community both economically and socially. This is exactly the kind of design we promote – design with a purpose; design that can change the way we live.’’

Emily’s project, along with those of her fellow students, will be displayed at the School of Design’s Graduate Show from 13 June and will be held in Squire’s Building on the city campus. For more information go to www.northumbria.ac.uk/design.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .