Rachel Bishop
By Rachel Bishop

Senior Staff Writer

18 May 2023

| | 1 min read

Employment

A welcome new mural for Ridley Place

A new striking mural now provides an impressive welcome to a city centre street, harnessing its independent spirit and helping to add finishing touches in time for the summer.

Photo showing the new mural on a wall on Ridley Place
A welcome new mural for Ridley Place

Designed by artist Peter Manning, the mural on the wall of Zapatista on Ridley Place is the first of two commissioned by Newcastle City Council for the street, with the second to be painted later in the year.

Cllr Alex Hay, Cabinet Member of a Resilient City, Newcastle City Council said: “It is great to see this striking piece of artwork finished. It really does bring life to Ridley Place and is ideal for the type of place this street is becoming.

“We will continue to make art as accessible as possible for everyone in this city as it adds so much vibrancy and positivity.

“I would also like to thank Zapatista for their cooperation and support. Our main driver in regenerating Ridley Place is to increase footfall and support local businesses, and it is so encouraging that businesses on the street are helping us achieve our vision.”

Discover more about the new street art at Ridley Place

Ridley Place mural

In addition to the murals, over the next few months new street furniture and planters will be installed on Ridley Place, with a pocket park created near to Northumberland Street, providing a place to relax and enjoy the new surroundings. There will also be new chain lighting across the street to illuminate the area and offer opportunities for artwork and other installations to be displayed.

Improvements to Ridley Place are funded through the Government’s Getting Building Fund (GBF) with the support of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NE LEP). They are part of Newcastle City Council’s plans to transform the city centre, enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of Newcastle for residents and visitors and to support businesses.

It is great to see this striking piece of artwork finished. It really does bring life to Ridley Place and is ideal for the type of place this street is becoming.

We will continue to make art as accessible as possible for everyone in this city as it adds so much vibrancy and positivity.

Cllr Alex Hay

Cabinet Member for a Resilient City