Transforming the city centre: Progress

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:

• 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 now complete. Works on Grey Street are ongoing and due to be complete later in 2024. In January 2024, we started work on significant improvements to Northumberland Street, with the completion being summer 2025. Throughout this time we have been working with businesses and other stakeholders in these areas, taking on board feedback to update our designs. Proposals for the next phase of the programme are being developed, when further engagement will take place.

1. Northumberland Street

Our flagship scheme is underway and will transform Northumberland Street into a place that can rightfully call itself the city's primary street. Somewhere that local people and businesses can be proud of. 

Northumberland Street will become a destination, where people want to come and enjoy, visit shops and also just spend time. 

We will create an elegant and welcoming environment, with trees, greenery and new street furniture. The beautiful elements of the street's architecture will be accentuated, with design inspiration taken from the street's rich Medieval history.

These improvement works are funded by UK Government and powered by the Levelling Up Fund. 

2. Old Eldon Square

Our works on Old Eldon Square have been paused while we review our plans.

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. Read more about our plans for Grainger Market.

These improvement works are funded by UK Government and powered by the Levelling Up Fund. 

5. Ridley Place

Ridley Place is becoming home to an independent community. It serves 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 on the street is now complete, with new street furniture, planting, lighting and artwork all adding to the street's appeal.

These improvement works were funded by the Government’s Getting Building Fund.

6. Saville Row

Saville Row pays 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.

Work on the street is now complete and has created a new type of garden street with relaxed seating, planting and areas for enjoyment. 

These improvement works were funded by the Government’s Getting Building Fund.

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.

These improvement works are being funded by the Government’s Getting Building Fund.

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 programme is scheduled to complete later in 2024.

These improvement works are  being funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund and the Government's Getting Building Fund.