Dunston Rocket- Gatesheads former tallest building

In this video, I discuss the now demolished tower block in Gateshead. Originally built by the former Whickham Council within Dunston.
The tower was known as Derwent Tower or the Dunston rocket due to its unique appearance.
This was built at a time when local authorities were building high rise construction in order to house their residents. This high rise experiment led to many of the tower blocks you still see today.
#Gateshead #Whickham #TowerBlocks

[@jackking5567]

The tower was quite some sight to see as you came in along the A1. The original 'angel' in a way - you knew you were close to home when you saw it.

[@georgeedwardscott7159]

i went to school with the lad in the tudor crisp advert.

[@lauracandykiss]

Another fascinating video by you. Thank you so much.

[@JordanReeve]

Thanks Laura!

[@jonathanrhill78]

My dad once got a packet of Tudor crisps and it was filled with salt sachets. Not a single crisp.

[@sallypaterson4376]

Fantastic video.

[@colinbreeze2814]

Excellent video. Very informative👌

[@JordanReeve]

Thanks!

[@stevensheath8992]

It feels like the sky has been set free with the rocket being gone.

[@Vince_uk]

Just caught this, the place was an absolute abomination and Dunston is a better place for it having been consigned to the garbage can of history. Good video.

[@petersmith9470]

Was designed with some questionble ideas.
Every flat had water leaks and major building problems.
Underground Carpark basically was a fully sized Olympic swimming pool

[@th8257]

My parents were among the first to occupy the tower and got a flat on the top floor. They had to move out shortly afterwards because of severe problems with damp.

[@JordanReeve]

I bet the view would have been amazing over the city. But it’s definitely a shame about the damp for your parents

[@jonathanrhill78]

You should do a video on the Dunston Staiths development.

[@JordanReeve]

Good suggestion, will look into it

[@oceanwave9316]

The council gave me keys to a flat in the tower on the 19th floor. I didn't take it as I could not peel myself off the wall inside

[@Kristian_UK]

You really need to work on your delivery, you're clearly just reading aloud the Wikipedia article. Also, 13000 residents? More like 1300!

[@deacanflynn5435]

i was the postman for the rocket for a while. it was a shit-hole. i even stood on its roof at one point. no real view tho as it sat in a dip

[@MBrady1970]

Love your videos...are you training to be an architect or something similar?

[@JordanReeve]

Thanks mate! Training to be an urban planner at uni

[@georgeedwardscott7159]

@@JordanReeve i knew it. id give you a job

[@yvonnesimpson4584]

13,000 residents, silly man, 13,00

[@trevorashworth7307]

Thank goodness common sense prevailed and it was demolished.I can remember the architect on t.v. saying it should be kept as it was a wonderful creation!!!!!

[@TheWacoKid1963]

Gateshead clownsil neglected the Rocket, Get carter car park AND the flyover leading from the Tyne bridge to Durham Rd, the council want that flyover demolished for one reason so they can finally sell off the demolished Chandlers Estate, I mean, would you buy a house with a flyover at the bottom of your garden? I wouldn't lol