New images have revealed how Newcastle’s Grainger Market could look after a multi-million pound revamp.
The beloved Geordie institution is in line for a serious facelift, after the Government backed plans to refurbish the site with cash from its Levelling Up Fund (LUF).
2023 brought some welcome relief for traders and shoppers, as the delayed restoration of the market’s barrelled roof was finally completed and the scaffolding that had dominated much of the centre for years was removed after years of frustration.
But it is hoped that work will start soon on a raft of new upgrades designed to help the market thrive, as it approaches its 190th anniversary in 2025.
Designs unveiled by Newcastle City Council showcase big changes proposed for the Georgian market’s arcade area, with its central pavilion demolished and replaced with new seating and a ‘showcase’ stall.
The image also shows patrons sat overlooking the crowds from a new staircase at the Nun Street end of the arcade.
A second piece of concept art focuses on one of the market’s alleyways, presenting it with a repainted yelllow ceiling.
The council said it was still consulting with market traders on what improvements could be made under the £9m investment programme, with the local authority planning to put in £2m in additional to the £7m LUF money.
Suggested upgrades have included a new heating system to keep the market warm in the winter, new lights and flooring, and better signs to help customers find their way around the market’s diverse range of local businesses.
The LUF grant was awarded to the council in 2021, alongside further funding for other regeneration plans in the city centre, and it was hoped that work would have started by now.
A report to members of the council’s finance scrutiny committee states that the deadline to spend that funding is December 2024, but that civic centre officials expect to be granted approval for an extension to April 2025 by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
A council spokesperson said: “The Grainger Market is the jewel in the crown of Newcastle’s historic retail offer. On top of the significant amounts of money we have invested to secure its long-term future we are actively consulting on further improvements funded by our successful levelling up bid.
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“We believe the market traders have an invaluable insight into what the building needs to improve customer experience which is why we have been at pains to consult them closely on how the funding should be spent.
“The most popular requests so far have included better temperature control to make the market warmer in the winter months, improved wi-fi and better signage at entrances and internally to make it easier to find stalls. Also, improved lighting to pick out the historical features of the building and new flooring.
“We are now consulting traders on additional improvements and will share these with the public in a wider consultation which we anticipate will last until late spring/early summer.”
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