A NORTH EAST leisure complex remains shut to the public 11 days after it was initially evacuated – leaving visitors and businesses in ‘limbo’ over when it will re-open.
The Gate in Newcastle completely shut down on Thursday (May 5) after "safety concerns" were identified by venue bosses.
At the time, customers and staff reported being evacuated from the three-story complex as many were in the process of enjoying a meal or watching a film.
Read more: This is why The Gate leisure complex in Newcastle has been closed down
Since then, the leisure complex and car park has remained shut, except for The Lofts, The Mayfair and The Hustle, which share a walkway with The Gate.
In a statement previously issued by The Gate on May 6, venue bosses said: "The Gate is temporarily closed.
"Following the identification of a safety concern with the building at The Gate, we have implemented a temporary closure (excluding the Mayfair and Hustle which remain open)."
"We recognise the impact this closure will have on businesses and visitors of The Gate, and we are working to reopen as soon as it is safe and practical to do so.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding."
However, since that point, no official update has been made – leaving potential customers and businesses in the lurch over when they can return to the popular facility.
This has frustrated many potential customers and those that work at the venue, with some taking to social media to vent their frustrations at the lack of communication from The Gate.
One user wrote: “Can you provide a transparent update please? The way you are treating businesses, individuals working, and customers is disgusting,” while another added: “But WHAT is the issue. We have a right to know. I paid a lot of money for a Cineworld card.”
Businesses that are situated in The Gate have also issued their own separate statements asking customers to access their other stores and restaurants across the North East.
This includes Pizza Hut, who said: "Due to potential health and safety concerns at The Gate complex, we're temporarily closing our restaurant while investigations take place.
"The health and safety of our employees and customers is our utmost priority. We apologise for any inconvenience and plan to reopen once we're told it is safe to do so.
"In the meantime, we ask customers to enjoy a meal at our closest Hut at Gateshead Metro Centre or Gateshead Metro Retail Park to continue enjoying their favourite pizzas."
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