Newcastle Quayside | United Kingdom

Newcastle NE1 is the Business Improvement District (BID) responsible for delivering a variety of projects to ensure the city is recognised as a modern European regional capital—competing with cities across Europe and the world.

As part of this mission, Newcastle NE1 commissioned Michael Grubb Studio to develop a comprehensive Lighting Strategy for the Quayside, a vibrant area overlooking the iconic River Tyne that has become a popular night-time destination.

Discussions with local businesses identified the Quayside as a key priority. Feedback from Newcastle NE1 members highlighted a significant issue: the city had, in many ways, turned its back on the river and the Quayside. They emphasised that substantial investment was long overdue and that more needed to be done to fully realise the potential of this iconic location—both during the day and at night. The strategy sought to acknowledge the area’s strengths while focusing on its future possibilities.

The Quayside is home to some of the city’s finest restaurants, leisure venues, and a thriving residential community. It also accommodates a large proportion of Newcastle’s professional services sector. Given its diverse uses, it is essential for the area to function effectively as a destination for daytime, night-time, and residential activities.

The Lighting Strategy encompassed the Quayside and its adjacent bridges, including the Swing Bridge, Tyne Bridge, and Gateshead Millennium Bridge. It proposed creating a cohesive night-time pedestrian experience—a loop that connects the Quayside, crosses the bridges, extends around Gateshead, and returns. The aim was to enhance and celebrate the Quayside from multiple perspectives, creating a seamless and engaging experience.

Community consultation played a vital role in the strategy’s development. Understanding the needs and aspirations of local businesses, venues, and residents informed the initial concepts. These ideas were further refined and tested before being presented to stakeholders as part of the wider planning process.

The Lighting Strategy aims to establish a distinctive sense of place after dark by accentuating the Quayside’s historic architecture while supporting its evening venues and encouraging activity. By incorporating light-art installations and landscaped lighting features, the strategy seeks to create a multi-layered illuminated environment that adds depth and interest to the area. The ultimate goal is to foster a warm and welcoming city destination.

Following the strategy’s completion, Michael Grubb Studio was commissioned to deliver detailed lighting designs for several Tier 1 projects, including the Dean Street Arch and the Swing Bridge Tunnel. Both of these serve as prominent gateways to the Quayside, reinforcing the area’s importance as a central feature of Newcastle’s urban landscape.