Demolition begins to transform Brett Oils depot into £41 million residential and leisure development

Work has started to transform an ex-industrial site into a £41 million residential and leisure development.

The High Street Group has begun demolishing the former Brett Oils depot, based on the banks of the River Tyne in Gateshead.

Bosses say the project, known as Brett Whart, will create 269 apartments that “meet the growing demand for high-quality, future-proofed homes”.

They add the development will also feature rooftop communal terraces and house office space, cafes and restaurants.

Construction on the 1.5-acre site is expected to take 24 months, with work earmarked to begin later this year.

The scheme is the latest to be delivered in the Newcastle-Gateshead area by The High Street Group, with Brett Wharf joining Hadrian’s Tower and Strawberry Place in the company’s portfolio.

Chairman Gary Forrest said: “Brett Wharf will create a new community on the banks of the River Tyne for professionals and meet the growing demand for high-quality, future-proofed homes close to the centre of both Gateshead and Newcastle.

“Mixed-use developments like Brett Wharf provide a real opportunity to create vibrant destinations that offer world-class apartments, workspaces and hospitality venues for both residents and the local community to enjoy, adding economic and social value to the area.”