HISTORIC GIBB CHAMBERS ‘SOLD’

Gavin Black & Partners has sold the freehold Gibb Chambers, 52 – 54 Westgate Road, in Newcastle’s Central Conservation Area, to JD Wetherspoon for an undisclosed sum.  The building was previously the home of Samuel Phillips Law Firm.

The 6887 sq ft (639 sq m) building, constructed in the 1800s, has four storeys including a basement and 11 car parking spaces.

Chris Pearson, the partner at Gavin Black & Partners who handled the sale, says there was significant interest in the property. “There were 30 separate parties bidding for the building, almost unheard of interest in what is a classic city centre property. To complete the sale we had to implement the ‘best bids’ process which highlights the special, one-off, nature of the building,” says Mr. Pearson.

He adds: “We understand JD Wetherspoon propose to invest around £1m in the property including a two storey garden which would combine the property with an adjoining Wetherspoon property, The Mile Castle.”

On an historic note, Gibb Chambers was originally the Infirmary of Dr C J Gibb who was made famous in Blaydon Races, the unofficial Geordie Anthem, through the lines “Sum went to the Dispensary an’ uthers to Doctor Gibbs, An’ sum sought out the Infirmary to mend their broken ribs.”

Samuel Phillips Law Firm has relocated to 18-24 Grey Street.