Rachel Bishop
By Rachel Bishop

Senior Staff Writer

20 October 2022

| | 2 min read

Greener Grey Street Gets the Go Ahead

Newcastle City Council has announced new plans for Grey Street, which will result in a greener, more welcoming space and help the city achieve its carbon zero ambitions.

Artist impression of how Grey Street could look after improvements
Artist impression of how Grey Street could look after improvements

Following a review of the proposed scheme by the new Leader of the Council and his Cabinet, the council has confirmed that:

  • Pavements will be permanently widened to make it easier for people to enjoy and use the street.

  • There will be a dedicated northbound route for cycling.

  • All pay and display parking will be removed to reduce levels of traffic on the street.

There will also be dedicated loading bays for servicing and delivery, with further consideration being given to using those bays part-time as blue badge parking.

The street will have new rain gardens, which are planting beds that reduce the amount of water on the street to provide a sustainable drainage solution and help to reduce the risk of flooding. The expanded and improved planting scheme will support the council’s commitment to biodiversity by creating the ideal environment for pollinators, while also providing a more tranquil, healthier, green space. Replacing hard concrete surfaces with natural planting will also reduce the surface temperatures and heat retention in the city, decreasing levels of carbon dioxide.

So that people of all ages can enjoy the street’s stunning architecture in a more relaxing setting, new seating will also be introduced, with space for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The bollards will be removed, and temporary planters installed to further improve the street in the short-term.

Trending stories

Cllr Jane Byrne, Cabinet Member for a connected, clean city at Newcastle Council said: “The City Council remains committed to deliver its long-term vision to transform the heart of Newcastle into a cleaner, greener, more welcoming place that’s easier to move around.

“I am very proud to be revealing the new plans for Grey Street following our review of the scheme as part of our commitment to a carbon neutral city for future generations.

“Our plans will bring people and nature together and make the best use of available space for people of all ages.  It will significantly improve the landscape, with rain gardens and planting designed to enhance this magnificent street, while at the same time contributing to climate resilience and a reduced carbon footprint.

“The improvements will also support local business and help deliver economic growth for the whole city as well as providing opportunities that will enrich the city’s cultural offerings.”

The main programme of work will start early next year, allowing for preparatory works to be completed and following the busy Christmas period.

There has been ongoing engagement with the businesses on the street to keep them informed and so they can help shape the plans. Further meetings and engagement sessions are taking place in the coming weeks.

This project is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund and the Getting Building Fund.

The City Council remains committed to deliver its long-term vision to transform the heart of Newcastle into a cleaner, greener, more welcoming place that’s easier to move around.

I am very proud to be revealing the new plans for Grey Street following our review of the scheme as part of our commitment to a carbon neutral city for future generations.

Our plans will bring people and nature together and make the best use of available space for people of all ages.  It will significantly improve the landscape, with rain gardens and planting designed to enhance this magnificent street, while at the same time contributing to climate resilience and a reduced carbon footprint.

Cllr Jane Byrne

Cabinet Member for a connected, clean city at Newcastle Council