Newcastle’s famous Hippy Green could be paved over as part of a £50m redesign of the city centre, new images reveal.
Designs for a massive transformation of Old Eldon Square show how all grass could be removed from the popular spot and replaced by new paving, seats, fountains, and planters. The overhaul would form part of a bigger regeneration of the city centre, which also includes plans to pedestrianise the entirety of Blackett Street and Grey Street to create a “healthier and greener place”.
Newcastle City Council, which released the first concept images of its ideas for the square on Thursday, says that it wanted to “sensitively integrate” its war memorial into a “world class public space to celebrate the life and culture of the city”. The 1800s square was originally the gardens of a three-sided Georgian terrace, most of which was demolished in the 1970s to make way for the Eldon Square shopping centre.
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It later became known as a popular gathering point for goths and, in more recent years, has been used to host the Screen on the Green film showings. A council spokesperson said that the square’s four grass sections, which are especially busy during the summer months with shoppers and workers basking in the sun, are too restrictive – and promised that the amount of green space in the surrounding area will increase.
They said: “The grass on Old Eldon Square significantly restricts the use of this area, particularly in the winter months and when the weather is wet. The aim is for flexibility, so this space can host more civic and cultural events. At present, large areas have to be covered, for example on Remembrance Sunday, which harms the grass below.
“The proposals increase the amount of green space to the west, north and south of the square. Alongside the proposals for a park along Blackett Street, with more trees and planting, it will see residents and visitors enjoy more access to city centre green spaces, not less.”
A redesign of both Old Eldon Square and Blackett Street was part of a successful council bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund last year, which will also cover a renovation of the Grainger Market. However, the plans to pedestrianise of Blackett Street are set to be subjected to a public inquiry after objections from bus companies about closing the busy route, as well as concerns over how elderly and disabled people will access the heart of the city centre.
Transformation works are already underway in Ridley Place and Saville Row as part of the local authority’s £50m vision, with the project expected to move onto Northumberland Street in the coming months. The council said that city residents would be asked for views on the Old Eldon Square plans soon, with a series of public events set to be announced.
Coun Ged Bell, the authority’s cabinet member for development, neighbourhoods and transport, added: “The City Centre Transformation Programme is delivering our long-term vision to transform the heart of Newcastle. It will make our city a more welcoming and attractive place, bringing in significant investment that will benefit everyone.
“As we move on to the next exciting phase of the programme, I want to encourage as many people as possible to find out more, look at the designs and let us know their thoughts. We are committed to make the city a better, healthier and greener place, and somewhere that can be enjoyed by everyone – young people, old people, families and visitors alike.”
