Transforming Northumberland Street

We are working with construction company Taylor Woodrow to improve Northumberland Street and provide new paving, seating, trees, greenery, and lighting.

The changes will create an elegant and high-quality environment that is inspired by the street’s Medieval history and will reinforce its position as the region’s most vibrant and important high street, setting it apart from other streets.

Work started on the street in December 2023, with further preparatory works taking place in the first few months of 2024, much of which involved various utility companies working on their underground services before the paving and foundations began. 

These improvement works are funded by UK Government. When works complete the street will reflect the changing needs of city centres. Not only will there be great shops, but also spaces for events, entertainment and for people just to spend time in a more welcoming place that can be enjoyed both day and night.

Read more about our plans for Northumberland Street

Update on the works – March 2025

We are excited to share the progress Taylor Woodrow has made in March. Significant change has been made across various areas, ensuring that we are on track to enhance our city's primary shopping street.

• South Northumberland Street: Excavation of parts of the street is ongoing. A HVM has been installed, and paving works have commenced.

• Eldon Square Doorway: Drainage and ducting works have been completed. Excavation across the first half of the doorway is underway, and paving work has also begun.

• West Northumberland Street: Sites have been setup with ducting and drainage works having commenced.

• North West Northumberland Street: Paving work is ongoing here and is over half way complete.

• Primark Area: Drainage work is nearly complete. Paving work has commenced across the first half of Primark door.

We appreciate your patience and support as we continue to transform Northumberland Street into a more vibrant and accessible space for everyone.
 

Information Hub

Taylor Woodrow continues to operate its information hub at 19 Saville Row, just off Northumberland Street. This is a dedicated space to allow engagement with the local community and businesses and to keep everyone up to date on the project’s developments, raise any questions or concerns, and speak with Taylor Woodrow's Public Liaison Officer.
 

What to expect in April 2025

• Brunswick Place: We will excavate and install the last concrete bays. We will work on the remaining paving here. Paving is expected to be half way completed in this area. 

• South West Northumberland Street: Drainage and ducting works are expected to be completed here, as well as excavation and paving work. 

• Eldon Square Area: We expect to complete paving across the second half of Eldon Square's doorway and excavation is to proceed Southwards. 

• North West Northumberland Street: We expect to complete remaining drainage here. Excavation and paving work to be nearly half way complete. 

• Haymarket Metro Area: Remaining paving works are expected to be completed here. 

Working hours

The normal working hours are:

• Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
• Saturday, 8am to and 1pm
• Some agreed night time working 

Noise and disruption from works

• Installing ductwork and drainage
• Removing existing paving
• Installing foundations and tree pits

• Digging up the old concrete base slab of the old road

  Access will be maintained for pedestrians and deliveries.

Questions or comments

If you have questions or comments you can contact the council or our contractors.

Newcastle City Council

For general enquiries:

• email the city centre team
• call 0191 277 2067 and leave a message to request a call back
• submit your question online about Northumberland Street improvements

Taylor Woodrow (contractors)

For construction enquiries contact Taylor Woodrow public liaison officer Nicole Turley by:

• calling 07907 400676
• emailing Taylor Woodrow