Northumberland Street update with Newcastle city centre construction works just weeks away from ending
More than two years of major construction work on the North East’s biggest high street is now just weeks away from coming to an end.
Council bosses say that a long-running revamp of Northumberland Street, in Newcastle city centre, is in course to finish in April.
The busy shopping area has been undergoing a transformation since December 2023, causing major disruption in the heart of the city.
But the multi-million pound project is now in its final stages, meaning shoppers can soon expect an end to the noisy and unsightly work that has dominated the street for so long.
The last phase of improvements will involve the installation of 50ft ‘Pilgrim Pole’ lighting pillars, which are designed to represent the markers which guide people across to Holy Island in Northumberland.
Northumberland Street was historically part of the ancient route to Lindisfarne and the pattern of newly-laid paving stones along the centre of the street is inspired by the Lindisfarne Gospels tapestry.
The coming weeks should also see trees planted and the installation of more seating.
A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said: “Improvement works on Northumberland Street are entering their final stages, with several key elements progressing over the coming weeks.
“Preparations are underway for the installation of the new illuminated Pilgrim Poles, with reinforced concrete foundations currently being constructed ahead of the installation in April.
“Tree planting will also begin over the next few weeks. These will use specially designed pits to support root growth and manage rainwater runoff, alongside new drainage grating. Paving works, seating and rain gardens are due to be completed in March, although seating at the southern end of the street will be temporarily closed to enable the works.
“These improvements will help create a more vibrant, welcoming and sustainable city centre. We would like to thank businesses and everyone who visits the street for their continued patience and cooperation as the programme moves towards completion.”
It had originally been hoped that the overhaul of Northumberland Street, paid for via a grant from the Levelling Up fund which is also being used on the refurbishment of the Grainger Market, would have been completed by summer 2025.
But the completion date was pushed back amid complications blamed on the complex patchwork of utilities found beneath the street.