A well-known landmark in Newcastle has been put up for rent as a possible office for a small business.
The Blue House on the Great North Road is best known for the busy roundabout to which it gives its name.
The 19th century property was historically home to the caretaker of Newcastle’s Town Moor but has been put up for rent having lain empty for a number of years and having been converted for office use.
The property, owned by the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, is available for rent of £15,000 a year. Marketed by Rook Matthews Sayer, the property features five office rooms plus a bathroom and kitchen, gardens and parking spaces.
It has already sparked interest among potential renters.
Michael Fox, business valuation manager at Rook Matthews Sayer, said: “The building has been sat empty for a number of years. It used to be occupied by the caretaker of the Town Moor.
“Rather than see it sit empty, the owners have decided to do some renovations and it’s been offered for office use.”
The 19th century house, which is locally listed in recognition of its historical significance in Tyneside, gives its name to one of the busiest roundabouts in Newcastle, at the junction of Grandstand Road and the Great North Road.
The building has featured on maps as a landmark since 1852, and originally there were a pair of blue houses.
Two workers’ cottages were originally built on Town Moor land by the Stewarts Committee to house those who were employed by the Freemen.
These houses became known as the Blue Houses due to the colour they were painted at the time. Today just one of the houses still exists and lends its name to the roundabout.
The property faced potential demolition five years ago when controversial plans for expanding the Blue House roundabout were published by Newcastle City Council. The plans for withdrawn after substantial opposition from people in the city who did not want to see land taken from the Town Moor to ease traffic flow.
