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.
13. Fountains in 1976
A view of the interior of Eldon Square Shopping Centre Newcastle upon Tyne taken in 1976. The photograph shows the fountains at the base of the dome containing Bainbridge’s cafe. Shops can be seen in the background. (Newcastle Libraries) | NL
14. 1991 shoppers
Eldon Square in 1991 doesn’t look so different from today (Newcastle Libraries) | NL
15. Bainbridge’s dome in 1976
Bainbridge’s cafe was housed in the futuristic dome in 1976. (Newcastle Libraries) | Newcastle Libraries
16. Conversation pit 1976
In front of the Bainbridge’s cafe dome was a 70s hexagonal conversation pit (Newcastle Libraries) | NL