'Transform the city' - Newcastle's Northumberland Street plans set for 2024

Improvement works for Newcastle’s bustling Northumberland Street have now been confirmed. 

Newcastle City Council have announced that the plans to revamp Northumberland Street have taken a significant step forward, as they have now appointed a contractor. 

Preparatory work on the busy street, which is lined with shops and eateries, is set to start before Christmas, before full works on improving the street begins in the New Year.

The improvements are part of Newcastle City Council’s ongoing commitment to transform the city centre.

They will see the region’s most vibrant and important high street transformed into an elegant environment, including; new paving inspired by the medieval history of the street, seatings, trees, and lighting. 

Local businesses located on Northumberland Street will benefit from the improvement, as the council hopes to bring more visitors to the city, leading to economic growth. 

It is also hoped that the street will be a welcoming place to be enjoyed day or night, that will have space for events and entertainment. 

The works are funded by the Government's Levelling Up Fund (LUF) as part of a £20m package. In addition to the investment in Northumberland Street, the funding will also allow for improvements around the Grainger Market. 

Funding will also go towards improving digital connectivity in the city centre, including free WiFi within the Grainger Market and across other areas of the city.

Read Newcastle's news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day's news and sport and enjoy even more from the NewcastleWorld team. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

Cllr Alex Hay, cabinet member for Thriving City, Newcastle City Council said: “Our vision for Newcastle is a successful city which is economically strong, inclusive and sustainable, and that’s why we need a city centre that works for everyone.

“Northumberland Street is at the city’s heart and plays a vital role in the lives of local people, so I am therefore delighted that we can now progress with our plans to transform it into somewhere they can be proud of.

“We remain committed to delivering our long-term ambition to ensure the city centre plays its part in delivering a cleaner, greener, more welcoming place that attracts visitors and investment and where our residents can feel a sense of belonging.

“Northumberland Street will be the flagship scheme, and this gives us the opportunity to align it with the other regeneration initiatives underway in the city to ensure we are all working together to maximise benefits for the people of Newcastle.”

Kieran McBride, Fenwick Newcastle Store Director said: “At Fenwick, we are committed to the continued transformation of the city of Newcastle and are delighted by the planned regeneration of Northumberland Street, home to our Fenwick flagship store.

“This significant investment from the council will create a lively and prosperous cultural hub in the city centre for locals and tourists to enjoy, enabling businesses such as Fenwick to continue serving the region for many years to come.”

Taylor Woodrow are the confirmed contractors for Northumberland Street, who will carry out the works until completion, which is set for summer 2025.

Tom Gurney, Operations Manager for Taylor Woodrow said: “We are looking forward to getting started on what is set to be a key element in the transformation of the city centre.

“Our team, which includes local people, is committed to delivering high-quality improvements whilst simultaneously seeking out ways to support communities across the city.”