Grainger Market in Newcastle unveils progress on £9m restoration
Sliding glass doors, new pavilion, and upper level transformation
New photos have revealed the progress of Newcastle's Grainger Market as it undergoes a £9 million restoration.
The city centre landmark is being transformed into a space capable of hosting events such as concerts and plays, with the aim of competing with Europe's prominent indoor markets. The project seeks to breathe new life into this historic venue through extensive structural changes and modern additions.
Recent images released by Newcastle City Council give a glimpse of a pavilion and upstairs seating area being built at the Nelson Street end of the market arcade. Accompanying this, a new staircase is under construction to provide access to a previously off-limits upper level.
The restoration also includes the installation of sliding glass doors at the market's entrances to combat longstanding complaints from visitors about cold conditions during winter.
As part of the efforts to improve navigation, local artist Ashley Willerton has hand-painted new signs around the market. Fresh ceramic tiled street signs have also been installed to welcome visitors and direct them to their exits.
Additional developments include new toilet facilities and the removal of old kiosks that housed Pumphrey’s Coffee and Hunter’s Deli. These kiosks were demolished last year as part of the reconfiguration process.
The restoration has also meant saying goodbye to the market's historical underground air raid shelters, which have been filled in with concrete after being deemed unsuitable to support ongoing construction.
Funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund in 2021, the redesign was initially expected to be completed last summer. However, delays have pushed the project timeline into this year.
The upgrade follows years of work to restore the market’s glass barrelled roof and continues Newcastle City Council's commitment to regenerating the Grainger Market for future generations.