Plans unveiled for £50m transformation of Newcastle City Centre

Plans for a £50 million transformation of Newcastle City Centre have been unveiled by the council.

Leaders say the plans are part of a wider recovery plan to support the city in its recovery following the devastating impact of Covid-19.

The City Centre Transformation Programme (CCTP) is expected to bring significant investment to the area.

Northumberland Street Credit: Artist's impression
Saville Row Credit: Artist's impression

Where will the money come from?

The council has already secured over £20 million to begin transforming a number of citycentre streets this summer. The council says the remaining £30 million can be "secured through a mix of grant funding and private investment with key partners".

What will change?

  • Traffic to be removed from Blackett Street

  • Grey Street will become the primary pedestrian route between the city centre andQuayside

  • Northumberland Street will have more greenery

  • Ridley Place will be pedestrianised for local independent retailers and popup stalls

  • Saville Row will showcase local products and art

Ridley Place Credit: Artist's impression

Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Forbes, said: “City centres are changing, and they must adapt to survive as now more people are shopping online and climate change has increased the urgency for cleaner, greener spaces."

He added: “Newcastle is a premier shopping destination with a bright future and we will work with retailers, the Grainger Market, hospitality and all businesses – in the immediate term to reopen safely in COVID secure, socially distanced way and on these plans which will set us on a new path to create a re-energised city centre.

“We want Newcastle to be an attractive, modern successful city that is carbon neutral by2030 where children can grow safely and reach their full potential in life – and that is whatthese plans are all about.”