City Centre Transformation: The Proposals

The city needs to be ready for the future. We want to create a series of enduring places and spaces to serve the people of the city and help achieve our carbon zeros ambitions. We want a a legacy focused on sustainability, resilience and pride, and are focusing on:

• Inspiring the city to be safer, cleaner and greener. With its importance as a regional centre for so many people, Newcastle needs a revitalised physical environment that does everything it can to protect its future. By reducing the  number of vehicles and increasing the amount of green space, we will have a healthier city centre that can be enjoyed by all.
   
• Encouraging a city that embodies community spirit. Newcastle and its people aspire to believe in better, with a sense of warmth, and welcoming to all. This needs to be bound with the physical spaces to enhance this community spirit, accessible to all and from which everyone benefits.
   
• Creating a city of growth and opportunity for all. We aspire to create a city that will integrate new developments with the city’s heritage, future-proofing the wider city centre.

The first phase of works on Ridley Place and Saville Row are underway, with work to start in the coming months on Northumberland Street and Grey Street. We have been working with businesses and other stakeholders in these areas for some time, taking onboard feedback to update our designs. Proposals for the next phase of the programme are being developed, with further engagement for these areas planned in the coming months.  

1. Northumberland Street

Northumberland Street will be transformed into a simple, elegant and welcoming environment interlaced with trees, greenery and places to sit. Informal performance spaces will add to the richness of the street, making this a place to spend time and discover more than shopping. 

2. Old Eldon Square

Our works at Old Eldon Square have been paused as we review where our resources can be best used.  

3. Blackett Street

Our works at Blackett Street have been paused as we look to review the plans. We will be sharing updates as revised plans are updated,  and residents and businesses will again be able to share their thoughts on the new plans.   

4. Grainger Market

This will become a thriving hub in the city centre for independent local businesses, produce and food culture.

5. Ridley Place

Ridley Place will be home to an independent community. It will serve as a space for new businesses and independent shops, cafes and bars, with a unique culture and spirit that will create a new destination for those in the city. Work is progressing, with works expected to complete by summer 2023, with the installation of new street furniture being the final part of the improvement work.

6. Saville Row

Saville Row will pay homage to one of Newcastle’s most famous sons – Thomas Bewick.

His statue adorns 45 Northumberland Street, which looks directly onto Saville Row, and the City Library houses one of the largest collections of his books.

This will become a new type of garden street with relaxed seating, planting and areas for enjoyment. Work is progressing, and is expected to complete summer 2023. 

7. Pilgrim Street

This street will have high quality public realm, connecting new developments with the heart of the city centre. This will include a dedicated cycle lane to improve and promote active travel.

8. Grey Street

Our programme for Grey Street will increase Newcastle’s biodiversity; introducing more nature to the city’s most elegant street, with plants, rain gardens and places where people will want to spend time. The narrowing of the road will be made permanent to allow for widened footpaths, with clear and direct routes for people and plenty of space for pavement cafes to support business. All on-street parking will be removed to reduce levels of traffic, and there will be dedicated loading bays for servicing and deliveries.

The project is due to start on site on 9 January 2023 with a phased programme scheduled to complete in summer 2024. Further updates will be shared as works progress.