A multi-million-pound project to restore and enhance the Grainger Market and develop an international visitor destination to rival the best European markets is due to get under way.
Newcastle City Council is now working with Robertson Construction Group as its management contractor meaning work can now begin at the Grade-I listed market.
Within the Arcade two new pavilions will be installed and improved toilet facilities provided. All entrances will be renovated to increase the market’s visibility and fitted with glazed, automatic sliding doors to help reduce draughts. While there will also be improved décor, wayfinding and signage in the alleys, building upon the original designs that exist throughout the market. The external area around the entrances will also be upgraded.
Final surveys are ongoing on the site, built in 1835, and traders, whose businesses will remain open during the works, have been consulted on the plans.
Newcastle City Council has confirmed the improvement works will begin in late September, beginning with the demolition of existing units within the central Arcade. It is expected the works will complete by summer 2025, but the council have said there are a number of challenges at the site.
These include ageing utility supplies within the market and the presence of a listed air raid shelter beneath part of the site.
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, has said Grainger Market is a “jewel in the crown” of the city and the traders are its lifeblood.
He said: “Everyone who calls this city home has their own memories of the Grainger Market. We all have a story to tell.
“It’s a jewel in the crown of our city centre and a major piece of the huge investments being made in the heartbeat of Newcastle.
“There are ongoing works to improve Northumberland Street, Grey Street, Pilgrim Street and Eldon Square, this puts local traders at the heart of the development.
“The traders of the Grainger Market are its lifeblood, they are local people who demonstrate how we are building an inclusive economy in our city.
“They are a celebration of Geordie heritage and we have brought them along on every step of this journey.
“This won’t be an easy redevelopment, but I am delighted we have our contractor on board and that work will be getting underway soon.”
Neil Kennedy, regional managing director, Robertson Construction North East, said: “We’ve worked with Newcastle City Council on a range of fantastic projects over the years and to be chosen as delivery partner for the restoration of Grainger Market is a great honour.
“The Grainger Market project is an outstanding opportunity to improve a key Newcastle landmark, and we are looking forward to working alongside the traders and local communities to make Newcastle City Council’s vision a reality.
“It’s important to us, as a regional contractor, to work closely with our local supply chain and we are committed to bringing social and economic benefits to the community.
“Right now, that means local employment and supply chain spend for the construction phase of the project but it’s clear this is just the start of the positive impact the improved Grainger Market will bring to the city.”
The project is being led by the council at a cost of £9 million, £8.2 million of which is from levelling up funding and the remaining £800,000 from the council.
Plans for the market were announced in March this year, with CGI images released showing the new atrium and its potential to host events.
The demolition of the Grainger Market’s central Arcade in September will kick start the works with a full programmed expected to start thereafter.
Robertson has delivered a string of city council projects, including several schools and also led the redevelopment of the iconic Pattern Shop, a Grade 2 Listed structure brought back to life as a business centre in the city’s Stephenson Quarter.
