New designs for Newcastle's city centre revealed by council

Design proposals for the next phase of the City Centre Transformation Programme have been revealed by Newcastle City Council, and the public will be asked to view and give their feedback on the concept designs in the coming weeks.

Plans to enhance Old Eldon Square and Blackett Street whilst still preserving the heritage of the area are being developed following a successful bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

This marks the start of the next phase of the programme that was initially launched in March 2021. Events will offer the first opportunity for the public to discuss the city centre plans in person following the lifting of Covid restrictions.

The vision for Old Eldon Square is to sensitively integrate the war memorial, whilst developing the area into a world class public space to celebrate the life and culture of the city.

The aim is for Blackett Street to be pedestrian priority and become a green gateway to the city, with more trees and planting to provide a natural space for people to spend time.

The proposals are subject to a successful referral to the government’s Planning Inspectorate to approve the removal of vehicles from Blackett Street, which the council’s Cabinet agreed to proceed with earlier this week.

Cllr Ged Bell, Cabinet Member for Development, Neighbourhoods and Transport at Newcastle City Council said:

“The City Centre Transformation Programme is delivering our long-term vision to transform the heart of Newcastle. It will make our city a more welcoming and attractive place, bringing in significant investment that will benefit everyone.

“As we move on to the next exciting phase of the programme, I want to encourage as many people as possible to find out more, look at the designs and let us know their thoughts.

“We are committed to make the city a better, healthier and greener place, and somewhere that can be enjoyed by everyone – young people, old people, families and visitors alike.”

Discussions with the key stakeholders are ongoing, with all opinions crucial to the development of the plans. The council and its partners are keen for the plans to be widely shared with local residents, businesses and visitors to the city.

The new designs and other detail will be available at the events in the coming weeks, with council staff and other partners on hand to discuss these. Further details will be announced soon.

The £50m City Centre Transformation Plan, funded through a package of national government grants and private investment, will deliver a cleaner, greener heart of the city that will protect and strengthen the city’s economy.

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.

For more information about the City Centre Transformation Programme visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/citycentre

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