Gateshead Council is keen to find out if there is a demand for commemorative pieces of concrete from the car park which is currently being demolished to make way for a major redevelopment in the centre of Gateshead.
Gateshead Council head of communications Robert Schopen said: “We’re aware that the car park has a number of fans, either of its brutalist design or its role in Get Carter. Whilst we and local people are ready to move on and see a modern development in its place, we would like to help mark the car park’s passing if the interest is there.
“In the past people have asked whether it would be possible to acquire pieces of concrete from the car park. Until now that hasn’t really been possible, but in the next few weeks it could be. That’s why we’re asking anyone who is keen to own their very own piece of ‘Get Carter car park’ to get in touch so we can see if there is enough demand.”
An online survey is being carried out to help gauge the demand. Anyone who longs for a lump of concrete once graced by the white MkII Ford Cortina driven by Michael Caine or hankers after a piece of the parapet where crooked Cliff Brumby was thrown to his death should log on to
www.gateshead.gov.uk/centre and register their interest.
Demolition of the Owen Luder designed multi storey car park began on the July 26 and contractors Thompsons of Pruhoe are now ore than half way through tearing the concrete structure down.
Three huge demolition machines from contractors Thompsons of Prudhoe, have been nibbling the brutalistic reinforced concrete structure down. A total of 34,000 tonnes of concrete will be torn down by a 105 tonne Komatsu machine, with 42 inch concrete sheers brought in specifically for the job from Holland, and a slightly smaller 80 tonne Caterpillar machine with 32 inch jaws. The third machine will help to process the concrete before it is sent off site.
Work started in the North West corner heading East from the bottom up taking out the parapet walls to allow safe access. Work will then progress Eastwards towards the Eastern stairwell before moving back across the car park to finish with the demolition of the Western stairwell. At its highest point the car park is 38 metres tall and some of the supporting columns are up to 40 inches in diameter.