Transforming Northumberland Street

We are working with construction company Taylor Woodrow to improve Northumberland Street and provide new paving, seating, trees, greenery, and lighting.

The changes will create an elegant and high-quality environment that is inspired by the street’s Medieval history and will reinforce its position as the region’s most vibrant and important high street, setting it apart from other streets.

Work started on the street in December 2023, with further preparatory works taking place in the first few months of 2024, much of which involved various utility companies working on their underground services before the paving and foundations began. 

These improvement works are funded by UK Government and powered by the Levelling Up Fund. When works complete in summer 2025 the street will reflect the changing needs of city centres. Not only will there be great shops, but also spaces for events, entertainment and for people just to spend time in a more welcoming place that can be enjoyed both day and night.

Read more about our plans for Northumberland Street

Update on the works – March / April 2024

Brunswick Place

• Clearance of existing signs and structures.
• Trial holes and excavation works underway.
• 6 out of 14 bays have now been constructed.

Northumberland Street

• Vodafone have completed their utility lowering works.
• Virgin utility works underway.
• BT utility works begun 25/03/2024.
• Paving materials are being delivered to Taylor Woodrow's compound in preparation for paving works to commence.
• Two pieces of public art have been removed and safely stored, ready for Newcastle City Council to relocate.
• CCTV and jetting works completed on the drainage network on Northumberland Street.

What to Expect Over the Next Month

Brunswick Place

• Continued excavation and slab installation.
• Test sample of paving and quality checks.
• Removal of HVM bollards and installation at new location.
• Excavation of remaining east section with new kerb line and paving detail.

Northumberland Street

• Additional drainage investigation works.
• Installation of ducting.
• Installation of paving to begin from the junction of Pilgrim Street  and working up Northumberland Street.
• Virgin to continue their utility works.
• BT to continue their utility works.
  

Schedule of works

Here are more details and planned timeframes for the different phases of the works for the duration of the programme.

Public realm refers to all works that are taking place on the street, for example any foundation works, paving, or the addition of new street furniture.

February to May 2024

• Construction of the new public realm on Brunswick Place
• Construction of the new public realm on the west footway of Northumberland Street, from Footasylum to Rox
• Allow the contractor to lower their apparatus on the east side of the street (full length – TSB to Five Guys)

June to July 2024

• Construction of the new public realm on the east footway, from Superdrug to Five Guys
• Construction of the new public realm on the west footway from Costa Coffee to Footasylum
• Allow the contractor to lower their apparatus on the central and east side of the street (Santander to Superdrug)

August to September 2024

• Commence the construction the new public realm north of the Haymarket Metro Station
• Construction of the new public realm on the east footway, from Santander and Superdrug
• Construction of the new public realm on the west footway, from Halifax to Costa Coffee
• Allow the contractor to lower their apparatus on the central and east side of the street (TSB to Santander)

October to December 2024

• Completing the new public realm north of the Haymarket Metro Station
• Construct the new public realm on the east footway from TSB to Santander
• Commence the construction of the new public realm in the central area for St Mary’s Place (Haymarket Metro Station/TSB) to Northumberland Road (Santander/Costa) on the west footway, from Halifax to Costa Coffee

Please note, no works will take place between Northumberland Road and Blackett Street during November and December.

January to March 2025

• Completing the new public realm in the central area for St Mary’s Place (Haymarket Metro Station/TSB) to Northumberland Road (Santander/Costa Coffee) on the west footway, from Halifax to Costa Coffee
• Construct the new public realm in the central area for Saville Row (Footasylum/Superdrug) to Blackett Street (Rox and Five Guys)

April to June 2025

• Construct the new public realm in the central area for Northumberland Road (Santander/Costa) to Saville Row (Footasylum/Superdrug)

Working hours

The normal working hours are:

• Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
• Saturday, 8am to and 1pm
• Some agreed night time working 

Noise and disruption from works

• Installing ductwork and drainage
• Removing existing paving
• Installing foundations and tree pits
• Digging up the old concrete base slab of the old road

Access will be maintained for pedestrians and deliveries.

Questions or comments

If you have questions or comments you can contact the council or our contractors.

Newcastle City Council

For general enquiries:

• email the city centre team
• call 0191 277 2067 and leave a message to request a call back
• submit your question online about Northumberland Street improvements

Taylor Woodrow (contractors)

For construction enquiries contact Taylor Woodrow public liaison officer Nicole Turley by:

• calling 07907 400676
• emailing Taylor Woodrow