Vibrant artwork vision to transform 'run down' corner of Newcastle city centre

A project installing vibrant artwork on city streets plagued by rubbish and anti-social behaviour is set to be extended over the next 12 months.

The Creative Central NCL scheme led to the launch of a new ‘urban art gallery’ to brighten up Forth Lane last year, in an effort to improve public safety in the historic alleyway.

It has now been confirmed that a further £300,000 will be pumped into the project for a second stage of development.

Phase two of the improvements will include more artwork and “much-needed” lighting being installed on Forth Lane, which connects Grainger Street to Pink Lane’s collection of popular bars, pubs, and other local businesses.

That will be extended onto Pink Lane itself, which a Newcastle City Council report describes as an location with “high potential but is currently underused and run down, attracting anti-social behaviour”.

It is hoped that some “creative” LED lighting and artwork, as well as better management of the lane’s bins, can “create a unique identity for the street and make the area a destination in its own right, providing a safe and interesting walkway” between Central Station to the rest of the city centre.

A collection of new murals and other large and small-scale art projects are expected to pop up on gable-ends, utility cabinets, and other unexpected locations around the city centre, including at the Grainger Market to add to its ongoing £9 million restoration.

Coun Abdul Samad, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for culture, music and arts, said: “It’s wonderful to see a growing variety of artwork bringing colour and vibrancy to our city centre, offering free public art for local people to enjoy and creating valuable opportunities for local artists to display and share their talents. I welcome the new schemes that will add to this.

“Creative Central NCL is making a huge impact by giving local artists and creatives a vital platform to develop and thrive, meaning they don’t feel the need to leave the city to succeed.

“Art and culture play a crucial role in the life of our city and in supporting the wellbeing of so many residents. It’s also inspiring to see this project transforming public spaces in such a striking and positive way.”

The next phase of the regeneration scheme, to be delivered by business improvement district company NE1 Ltd, is expected to be completed by March 2026.

It is being funded via the North East Combined Authority’s share of the  UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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Tariq Albassam, director of operations at NE1, added: “Newcastle is home to an incredible community of talented artists and creatives, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative to channel this creativity into improving the economic fortunes of parts of the city.

“We have seen how improved lighting, murals and artistic installations have helped revitalise other areas of the city, and we’re excited to see the vision for Pink Lane take shape, and the artistic transformation enhance the street for the benefit of visitors, residents and businesses in the area.”

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