Emba Gibbon says her design will boost tourist numbers

Designer Emba Gibbon has come up with a plan to transform the Tyne Bridge in an effort to attract more tourists to the city.

She wants to turn the unoccupied towers at either side of the 75-year-old bridge into hostels.

Ms Gibbon, a former student at Napier University in Edinburgh, reckons culture visitors could be accommodated on the Gateshead side and clubbers on the Newcastle side.

The 23-year-old, who was born in Newcastle, came up with the design as part of her Honours Degree in Interior Architecture degree at Napier University.

Low budget plan

She said: "When people think of Newcastle they immediately think of bars, clubs and hen nights, but bypass the heritage and diversity of the city.

"We gained credibility through our bid for the European City of Culture and I think we can build on that by providing more low budget accommodation."

The towers are built from granite and are five storeys high

The towers and bridge were built by Dorman, Long & Co, of Middlesbrough and opened in 1928 by King George V and Queen Mary.

The towers were built of Cornish granite and were designed as warehouses with five storeys.

Passenger and goods lifts were built into them to provide access to the Quayside.

Ms Gibbon has recently set up her own design company, KGB Northern, with local builder Ian Kelly.

"We should expand the city's appeal by combining the entertainment and famous nightlife with the social history, art and culture.

"Who knows, someone might take me up on my plans for the Tyne Bridge."

A spokesman for Newcastle City Council, which owns and manages the bridge, said: "The towers have been unused since the bridge was built.