Investment set to revitalise Newcastle's 'Pink Triangle'

New investment is set to revitalise Newcastle's "Pink Triangle", the area around Westmorland Road, George Street and Waterloo Street.

Nigel Westwood, a partner at licensed property agent Sanderson Townend & Gilbert, believes that, if handled right, the area could one day rival Manchester's Canal Street for gay-friendly venues that can attract visitors from home and abroad.

"It has long had bars aimed at the gay market but it is also run-down with under-used, empty, unattractive and dilapidated buildings," he said. "But properties are now being acquired. We have dealt with four of the existing pubs and clubs in the area and have advised on five new ventures, four of which are expected to open within the next 12 months.

"The encouragement given by the council to support initiatives and attract private investment is welcome," he continued. "But to be successful it should not be about providing gay-only venues but gay-friendly venues where neither straight nor gay customers should feel intimidated.

"The city centre has a good reputation for providing sophisticated licensed outlets and if the same ethos is applied to the Pink Triangle it has a chance of attracting tourism and regenerating the area."

That process should be helped by the new Centre for Life attraction at its south eastern corner where space has been allocated for a bar and nightclub.