Historic barracks to be turned into car dealership

A historic army barrack building could be converted into offices for a car dealership if plans are approved.

The former guard houses on Barrack Road in Newcastle previously housed Japanese and Lebanese restaurants but has been empty since 2019.

Lloyds Motor Group is now planning to knock down modern extensions to the Grade II building which it said would "bring about significant heritage benefits".

The Northumberland and Newcastle Society has backed the application and said it "finds a use for a neglected part of Newcastle's history" and "goes some way to restore its original form and appearance".

The plans are also being supported by The Newcastle Conservation Advisory Panel, however, it said more clarity was needed on what materials would be used.

"It is currently unclear as to what detailed finish will be applied," the group said.

"We would expect the conservation officer to carefully consider this critical aspect of the scheme."

Fenham Barracks was built in 1806 and was originally designed to house cavalry and artillery units.

Over the years the building was expanded to include a hospital, guardhouse, reading room, marriage quarters and mess halls.

However, several of the blocks were demolished in 1938.

Lloyds Motor Group currently runs the nearby BMW and Mini car sales garages and owns the site where the guardhouses are based.

The original building will be retained but modern extensions to the building will be knocked down as part of the plans.

The company also intends to use the former restaurant's car park for staff parking and to store its vehicles.

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