The challenge of maintaining the area's unique ‘quirky’ character and its rich heritage assets at the same time as attracting modern and innovative development has not been easy. To help steer this process, the Ouseburn Trust  in partnership with the City Council’s Ouseburn Regeneration Team published the Lower Ouseburn Regeneration Strategy in 2003. This strategy laid out the following vision for the area:

‘By 2010 the Lower Ouseburn Valley will be a thriving sustainable, urban village in a unique riverside location within the City of Newcastle. The best heritage features of the area will have been preserved and enhanced within a vibrant townscape and an attractive landscape that will reconnect people with the diverse natural environment. A wide range of businesses especially those related to creative, innovative, multi-media and cultural activities will be prospering in the area. The Valley will also be home to a stable mixed residential community. A wide variety of services and leisure opportunities will be available for residents, employees and visitors to the area.’

The strategy has provided a framework for regeneration in the Valley since 2003, and was widely consulted on, aiming to reflect local needs and aspirations. This strategy is currently under review – the scale of change in the Valley to date will be considered and questions asked about future developments in the Valley. This work is being overseen by the Ouseburn Management Board (see governance section), who represent local stakeholders, residents and elected members. The strategy review will be carried out in partnership and consulted on throughout the process. For more information contact nancy.rios.hill@newcastle.gov.uk.

The following documents provide specific advice relating to the Lower Ouseburn Conservation Area:
The Lower Ouseburn Conservation Area Character Statement (2000)  (pdf, 2Mb)
provides an assessment of the character and appearance of the Valley
The Conservation Area Management Plan (2004) (pdf, 2Mb)
provides guidance through policy statements to assist in the preservation and enhancement of future development within the Valley
The Urban Design Framework (2005) provides detailed design guidelines and principles for the physical regeneration of the Valley at all levels from policy to forward planning and decision making, within the framework area.

View specific sites in the area.