Rachel Bishop
By Rachel Bishop

Senior Staff Writer

17 March 2023

| | 2 min read

Employment

Ridley Place and Saville Row nearing completion

Improvements to two city centre streets will soon be complete with the finishing touches being made to both Ridley Place and Saville Row in time for the summer.

CGI (Computer Generated Image) of Ridley Place when complete
CGI (Computer Generated Image) of Ridley Place when complete

Ridley Place is home to a variety of businesses, independent shops and cafes that collectively will offer a new destination for the city. The council is committed to help create an exciting environment where business can flourish and has worked closely with businesses during the works, most recently supporting the design of a series of murals that will brighten a number of exposed walls on the street, the first being painted by a local artist on the exterior of Zapatista in the next few weeks. This will be followed by further artwork   in the coming months, all contributing to the identity and culture of the street.

New chain lighting across the street will illuminate the area and offer opportunities for artwork and other installations to be displayed. A pocket park will be created near to Northumberland Street, providing a place to relax and enjoy the new surroundings.  Visitors to the street will notice patches of tarmac that are providing temporary protection to the foundations for new street furniture and planters that are to be installed.

Saville Row has been designed with families in mind, with relaxed seating and planting giving the feeling of a garden located just off the city’s main shopping street. As well as new seating that provides a place to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of Northumberland Street, there are future plans to introduce kiosks, offering alternative trading opportunities on the street.

The designs for Saville Row are influenced by the works of Thomas Bewick, a prominent local historic figure whose works can be found in the City Library.

Cllr Alex Hay, Cabinet Member for a Resilient City, Newcastle City Council said: “I’m pleased that the work on these two streets will soon be complete and am looking forward to seeing them fully reopened to the public.  

“As an authority, we know it’s important that we provide the right environment for small and independent businesses to grow, and both these streets will offer this. These businesses are important to Newcastle’s economy and help to create jobs and opportunities for residents. 

“Ridley Place and Saville Row will have new planting, trees, and more greenery, supporting our drive for a greener, more sustainable city and contributing to our ambition to become carbon neutral.  

I hope they will both be enjoyed by both local people and visitors to the city for years to come.” 

The improvements to both streets have been funded through the Government’s Getting Building Fund.

As an authority, we know it’s important that we provide the right environment for small and independent businesses to grow, and both these streets will offer this. These businesses are important to Newcastle’s economy and help to create jobs and opportunities for residents. 

Cllr Alex Hay

Cabinet Member for a Resilient City