Bede's World future is 'looking hopeful' says administrator

As the Gazette revealed yesterday, the attraction at Church Bank in Jarrow looks set to reopen as council chiefs move to save the shutdown attraction.

South Tyneside Council is working on a deal which would see charity Groundwork take over the heritage centre, which shut its doors last month due to "financial pressures."

The venue had been run by Bede’s World Charitable Trust, with funding assistance from the council, but became insolvent in February, with the ownership of the land and buildings reverting back to the council.

Today, Greg Whitehead of Northpoint, the restructuring and insolvency practice which is dealing with the affairs of the charitable trust, confirmed that it is looking hopeful for the future of site.

“Yes, I can confirm that recent reports of a possible deal between South Tyneside Council and the charity Groundwork to run the site are also my understanding and seem to be progressing well.

"I have been dealing with the council in connection with various onsite matters and Groundwork are now involved.”

“From my side, some final issues in relation to property leases and onsite assets need to be resolved.

"But the main talks are between the council and Groundwork, the latter of which seem to have grasped the issues and are approaching the possible project in a sensible, business-like manner, whilst bearing in mind the need to retain the cultural heart of the project."