World leading architects visit Newcastle as Quayside regeneration gathers pace

The next phase of the Quayside’s reimagination will soon be here
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World leading architects in urban design are taking the next steps in their reimagining of Quayside.

Gehl architects are behind the project and have been commissioned by NE1 Ltd to take on the responsibility.

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Heading up the Gehl team is Ewa Westermark, who has worked on redesigning high profile public spaces in New York, San Francisco, Copenhagen, Oslo and Sydney. 

Ewa led her team on a site visit and tour of the Quayside on the 23rd, followed by a day of workshops on the 24th February 2022.

The project is being be heavily influenced by local minds too, with some of the region’s leading architects meeting with the Gehl team on their visit.

The group conducted a series of workshops shaped by the findings from the online engagement survey, which gathered information from local residents, employees, employers and visitors giving insights into how the Quayside is used and places that people like and dislike.

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The workshops studied the place as it is now, including what people like and dislike about the Quayside, exploring the public’s aspirations for the area and visioning the future.

Gehl architects are leading the projectGehl architects are leading the project
Gehl architects are leading the project

A second survey will follow where these findings are set to be shared with Geordies. That can be expected in mid-March.

Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd, said:“What was very evident from the first survey was that people are rightfully proud of the Quayside and are keen to see it continue to develop and evolve, as well as being progressive and forward-thinking about the area and its future.

“It is a mark of this ambition and aspiration that we appointed Gehl to work alongside some of the city’s finest architects and landscape designers to help us define a collective vision for the future. 

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“The work is about understanding what is precious, what needs to be maintained and celebrated, as well as identifying the opportunities for maximising the commercial and social benefits for businesses, residents and visitors who flock to this area of the city.

Workshops took place last week Workshops took place last week
Workshops took place last week

“The architectural teams we are working with are all leaders in their field with a hugely impressive track record of transforming buildings and places. We are excited to tap into their collective expertise and are enthusiastic about what can be achieved. 

“It is an exciting time for the Quayside, and it is essential that we lay the foundations now for how this world-class waterfront will evolve in the future.”

Commenting on the project, Ewa Westermark, Partner at Gehl Architects said:“The team at Gehl is grateful to have been chosen to be part of the Quayside reimagining programme and are super excited to be working collaboratively with NE1, the people of Newcastle, local architects and landscape designers.

“The team at NE1 are so enthusiastic and have an ambitious vision and commitment to the city, the Quayside and to making change happen.”

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