A major transformation of Newcastle’s Grainger Market has been unveiled.
Huge changes to the 190-year-old Geordie institution are now on full view, after a £9 million programme of upgrades over the past 18 months.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service was given a sneak peak tour behind the scenes of the market’s renovations, ahead of the revamp being unveiled to traders and shoppers on Friday morning.
It is hoped that the overhaul will usher in a new era for the Georgian market, which has been at the heart of Newcastle city centre since 1835, and turn it into a destination capable of competing with the best in Europe.
The Tyneside landmark now boasts new flooring, toilets, signage, plants, and sliding doors at each of its entrances.
But the biggest change is in the market arcade, which has already been transformed in recent years by the restoration of its barrelled glass roof.
A redesign of the area is intended to turn it into a cultural events space, capable of staging grassroots music gigs, plays, fashion shows, and more.
Two new pavilions have been installed at either end of the arcade, and a new staircase at the Nun Street end – giving shoppers access to stunning views of the revamped market and new places to sit, eat, and socialise.
Tania Love, associate partner at architects FaulknerBrowns, said: “What is most valuable to help markets evolve around the world and bring in more visitors, in a time when people are spending more time online, is experiences.
“Cultural buildings generate community cohesion. Markets are a really good place to bring people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and incomes all together under one roof.
“Markets matter. They matter socially, culturally, economically, we need to help the traders so they can do the best they can – and that helps the local economy, employment, and society.”
Plans to upgrade the grade I listed building, while seeking to preserve the traditional character that has made it an essential part of life
of Newcastle for generations, have been in the works since 2020 and won cash from the Levelling Up Fund in 2021.
Improvements include the installation of automatic sliding doors at each of the market’s 14 entrances – in an effort to keep out freezing winter winds that could make it a bitterly cold place to work.
The market was designed by John Dobson to be naturally ventilated and, in a time before refrigerators, help keep produce fresh for longer.
Visitors will also have noticed fresh signage marking the different alleys within the building and pointing people in the direction of Monument, Central Station, and Eldon Square to help orient people as they leave.
The toilets have also been refurbished, new lighting installed, and new floor tiles laid.
Removing the 1970s pavilions that previously housed popular traders Pumphrey’s Coffee and Hunters Deli has turned the arcade into a far more open space.
Between two new pavilions at either end, both of which should soon house traders, new seating and tables for 300 people will be laid out – with a huge communal socialising space replacing the smaller seating areas currently serving some of the market’s cafes.
The works are not entirely complete yet, however. The final sections of new flooring in the arcade are yet to be laid, with some old tiling being left in place around its perimeter before some remaining electricity cabling works are carried out.
Extra plants, seats, and signs will also be installed outside the market on Nelson Street and Clayton Street to make them more attractive.
Neil Kennedy, regional managing director at main contractor Robertson Construction North East, added: “Grainger Market has been at the heart of Newcastle’s retail and cultural landscape for generations, and the transformative work carried out ensures this grade I listed building will continue to play a crucial role in the city centre for years to come. Crucially, the market remained fully operational throughout our works which have improved sustainability and created new spaces.”
