The Trinity Square car park - Get Carter car park - was loved and loathed in equal measure; I used to think it was an eyesore but did come to appreciate it in recent years, and was sad when they pulled it down. The retail units & underground market were part of the architectural ensemble of the car park, but they were grim, dark, forbidding places - I certainly did not shed a tear when they were demolished.
With these buildings gone, there remained a vast site, on which could be built something special, innovative, striking, bold, or dare I say it "iconic" (I use that word ironically as I cannot stand it - its an overused and meaningless phrase as it is applied to almost anything nowadays). After all, the site is on an elevated position, so whatever is built will dominate the skyline and become a landmark (as did the Get Carter car park).
But, it seems to be that what has gone up so far is a pile of shite. Initially, I suspended judgement on the buildings that are being built, which are nearing completion, because I like modern architecture and don't want to prejudge something when it's not finished. However, I disliked what was being created as soon as I could discern what their final form might take.
I ran through Gateshead town centre yesterday morning down West Street (which runs parallel to High Street), and my first impressions, from close up, were not good. It was 8.30 in the morning, the sun was shining but the street was dark, with the tall buildings casting a large shadow - they felt imposing and oppressive. From what I saw, I decided that there is no architectural merit in the buildings and they are to the detriment of Gateshead. The new Tesco, and the surrounding square and retail units looked OK from the distance though.
