The first stage of plans for the multi-million pound regeneration of Gateshead High Street have been lodged with the authority.
Gateshead Council has submitted an application to flatten a rank of empty buildings on the south of the high street.
It wants to pull down the properties that used to be the Grove Pub, Oasis Aquila, SW Furniture, Murrays Domestic Appliances and the Bed Shed.
An application form submitted by the authority said the premises all in a bad state of repair.
"The properties are all closed and falling into disrepair, surplus to council requirements and scheduled for demolition down to ground floor level," it said.
This comes after a bid to transform Gateshead High Street through a £90 million development plan was unveiled in late October.
The vision for the 20-acre site at the south end of Gateshead’s High Street will see a new neighbourhood created with mixed housing, green spaces, community facilities and improved pedestrian and cycle routes to better link it to the town centre and Gateshead Interchange.
To make this happen Gateshead Council will work with a range of partners and take a leading role in delivering the first stages of the plan.
The scale of the development proposed will mean a four-phase approach is needed over several years and the council will be seeking development partners next year.
High Street South is part of a broader multi million pound regeneration strategy which includes the further development of Gateshead Quays to include new arena, Conference and exhibition centre, Baltic quarter and housing.
Gateshead Council will is expected to decide on the application to demolish the shops by early February.
