Eldon Square has always had a prominent place in Newcastle life.
People from around the North East travel to the centre for all of their shopping needs, a fact that has remained the same for decades.
But over the years Eldon Square has undergone a lot of change. Can you remember Bainbridge’s cafe up in its futuristic dome? Or what about the conversation pit that was around in the 70s.
Thanks to Newcastle Libraries we have access to some amazing photos which document the city’s past, including just how much Eldon Square has changed. How much do you recognise?
Do you remember the greengrocers in the Green Market? What about the Greggs right next door?
Shops have come and gone yet the shopping centre largely remains the same.
1. A vintage view of Greggs
A view of the Green Market Eldon Square Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1978. The photograph shows a row of shops on the first floor of the Green Market. The shops are ‘Greggs Bakery’ ‘R.H. Orange’ and ‘bags of bags’. ‘Victoria Wine’ can be seen in the background. (Newcastle Libraries) | NL
2. A familiar view
A view of Eldon Garden Percy Street Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1995. The photograph shows the covered bridge which spans Percy Street and links Eldon Garden with Eldon Square Shopping Centre (Newcastle Libraries) | NL
3. Greengrocers in the 1970s
A view of the Green Market Eldon Square Shopping Centre Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1976. The photograph shows the fruit and vegetable stall of ‘R.H. Orange’. Two members of staff are serving a customer. (Newcastle Libraries) | NL
4. View from Northumberland Street
A view of Eldon Square Shopping Centre Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1982. The photograph taken from the other side of the street shows the Northumberland Street entrance to Eldon Square Shopping Centre. The Northumberland Arms is in the lane to the right of the shopping centre. (Newcastle Libraries) | NL