This thread is for discussions of developments in and around the Ouseburn area of town, as well as for our ideas on making the area a better place, or news about events and goings on.

If any of these projects begin construction, or if you feel they are big enough to warrant their own thread, then we can do that in the future.

Some of this info might be out of date, sites may have changed hands or plans changed due to the recession. If anyone knows of any other schemes let me know and i'll add them into the original post:

St Lawrence Apartments | Various | Approved:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/stlawrencefreetrade2.jpg?t=1256245722
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/stlawrencefreetrade3.jpg?t=1256245781
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2157/stlawrenceroad.jpg
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/8615/stlawrenceroad2.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/9297/stlawrenceroad3.jpg


Hotel Du Vin | 6 fl | Complete

This development consists of the conversion of the former Tyne Tees Shipping Company building on City Rd with a new build block at the rear (on Ouse St next to the Victoria Tunnel entrance).

Fire damage during construction in late 2007 was not as bad as was initially feared and has delayed the construction of this 42 room boutique hotel by only 5 months.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8688/hotelduvin.jpg


Ince Building | 5 fl | Approved

Designed by Hopper Howe Sadler, who comment:

Working closely with the Planning Authority and English Heritage we developed a scheme that provided 117 student spaces of varying sizes with some integral car and cycle parking. 190m2 commercial space located on the ground floor provides much-needed active frontage. Holding tanks and grey water recycling are specified to reduce the building's impact on the environment.

The 4067m2 of development has been carefully modelled to break up its mass and using the recommendations outlined in the Ouseburn Central Master Plan, respect is paid to the topography of the site and the materials found in the Ouseburn Valley.

The project gained planning approval in August 2007.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8066/incebuilding.jpg


Stepney Bank Student Accomodation | 7 fl | Pre-Planning

Architects: Xsite Architecture

Client:
Connislow LLP

Brief:
280 bed new build student accommodation complex.

Design:
The site has frontages on both Stepney Bank and Byker Bridge. The concept of the design is to create two long linear buildings, which address Byker Bridge and Stepney Bank and each have their own distinctive character. In between the two buildings is a landscaped courtyard with oriel windows that prevent overlooking and add visual interest. The Byker Bridge block is tall and brightly coloured, to create a gateway statement from the route from Byker Bridge into town. This building also protects the courtyard area and Stepney Bank building from the pollution and noise of the busy road. The Stepney Bank block is smaller and steps down towards the Ouseburn valley, with a material palette of dark brick, zinc and glass.

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6941/stepneybank.jpg
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9049/stepneybank2.jpg


7-17 Lime Street

This site, formerly Mama Pasta’s café and Euromart, on Lime St received planning permission for an amended scheme in 2007. The new permission excluded the original restaurant and includes 30 residential units, office space and a small retail unit.

Banks, the original owner, is negotiating to sell the site on to another developer who has recently tested the water on whether student housing in the proposed building would be acceptable.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/clip_image002_0002.jpg?t=1256247964

Lower Steenbergs

This riverside site is owned by Newcastle City Council and covers approximately 0.8 hectares. The site itself is an important entrance into the Ouseburn Valley and presents an opportunity to create a large mixed-use development.

Interesting existing features include the former Maynards Toffee Factory chimney and the entrance to the Victoria Tunnel.

The City Council has marketed the site and is currently in negotiation with potential development partners to develop it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/prioritysiteslowersteenbergs.jpg?t=1256248384
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/igloolowersteenbergs.jpg?t=1256248417

Cumberland Arms Extension

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/cumberlandarmext.jpg?t=1256248551

Ouseburn Gateway | 11, 6 fl | Stalled

Terry Farrell's scheme for the corner site at the mouth of the Ouseburn was refused planning permission. Wimpey have sold the site to One North East. I think.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/ouseburnfarrel2.jpg?t=1256248626

Byker Buildings

The Byker Buildings site is owned by Newcastle City Council and covers approximately 0.28 hectares. The site, currently an area of green space adjacent to the Cumberland Arms, is prominently situated at the top of Byker Bank, providing a vantage viewpoint into the Ouseburn Valley. It is visible from the Quayside, from across the Tyne and from several major routes into the city centre and the east end of Newcastle.

The area lies just outside the Ouseburn conservation area, to the south. The site previously contained flats which have been demolished to enable redevelopment. An approved Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has been prepared to guide the redevelopment of the site.

St Lawrence Square

St Lawrence Square contained terraced flats built around the edge of St Lawrence Park. However, the increasingly unpopular flats are in the process of being progressively demolished to prepare for the redevelopment of the site. The development site covers approximately 4.63 hectares and consists of three areas of land on which the flats used to stand around an existing 1.5 hectare urban park. The site is currently predominantly City Council owned land, including the adopted public open space. The City Council is currently preparing a Supplementary Planning Document to guide the development of the site for sustainable family housing, and it is hoped that this document will be adopted in February 2008. The St Lawrence Square scheme is part of the ‘Byker Design Project’ which also includes the refurbishment and reuse of Bolam Coyne and the redevelopment of a large site at South Byker.

http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/wwwimageroot/regen/ppi/stlawrence1.jpg

South Byker and Bolam Coyne

This site is situated approximately 0.5km to the East of St. Lawrence Square site and 2km from the city centre. The site is bordered by Walker Road to the south, Bolam Way to the west, Commercial Road to the north and St. Peter’s Road to the east. It is south facing, gently sloping towards to river and extends to 10.29 hectares. The site currently comprises predominantly City Council owned housing stock, a Council care home, with a small number of City Council owned commercially let premises. A small number of the homes are now privately owned. To the south of the site, bordering Walker Road sits an undeveloped area of open space . Previously earmarked for a south wall mirroring the development further up the hill, construction began in the late 1970’s, but was halted and the completed work demolished.

http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/wwwimageroot/regen/ppi/stlawrence3.jpg
http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/wwwimageroot/regen/ppi/stlawrence2.jpg

Ouseburn Barrage | Complete

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8625/barrage.jpg

Central Ouseburn Masterplan

Ouseburn Central is located in the heart of the Lower Ouseburn Valley. It is designated as a key regeneration area in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne. The approved Regeneration Strategy for the Valley has assisted in stimulating its successful regeneration, with the redevelopment of historic buildings including the Centre for Children's Books (Seven Stories) and Woods Pottery, the provision of much demanded workspace assisted by public funding and the creation of high quality public realm.

The Ouseburn Central site sits at the hub of the whole Ouseburn Valley. It occupies a key strategic position at the confluence of many routes in, out and through the area. It is bounded by the Ouseburn Farm to the North and Cut Bank/Byker Bank, a major traffic route from the east end of the city to the Quayside to the South.

The aim of the Ouseburn Central Masterplan is to develop a proposal for site layout and mix of use together with a set of design principles and requirements which aim to satisfy the Councils vision of a sustainable urban village.

The Ouseburn Valley has a unique character and strong identity. Historically the area was a highly dense urban/industrial environment. Today art, music, culture, leisure, small businesses and the 'informal sector' all mix together and overlap to give a degree of vibrancy. Although a residential community is yet to become established within the valley, stakeholders, and a number of interested parties who use the Valley fiercely protect The Ouseburn's identity. It was felt therefore that it would be inappropriate to re-brand the area, dominate or overpower its existing character. Instead, the urban design process aims to draw out what is already there, build on and support the existing uses - work around and with, the remaining historic built fabric.

The opportunity exists to develop the Ouseburn Central Area as both catalyst and exemplar for sustainable, vibrant, urban living in the heart of the Newcastle conurbation.

http://www.hopperhowesadler.co.uk/images/ouseburn1.jpg
http://www.hopperhowesadler.co.uk/images/ouseburn2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/ouseburnone.jpg?t=1256250010

Tyne Square

Tyne Square The ground level of the Tyne Square development comprises 3 self-contained leisure units totalling 9,825 sq ft (net) for a river-side restaurant, café bar and convenience store.

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9725/tynesquare.jpg

Spiller's Quay | Vision

Old Ryder HKS and Bellway scheme for the site next to Spiller's Quay, currently stalled and remains just a vision at this point in time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/spillersmill.bmp?t=1256250880

Threadex Apartment Block

Having had two planning applications previously refused for the site, Threadex Developments commissioned FJ to put in a third and final application for this mix of office space and 1/2 bed apartments. Within a heavily political scenario, and using a focused consultation with local advisory groups, despite a lack of support from the local auhtority, planning approval was granted for the scheme in August 2006.
The scheme represents a second such scheme for the client in this key development area in Newcastle.

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/3699/threadex.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/7453/threadex1.jpg

Great post Johnny - it is going to take me a while to digest it all!

Meanwhile, there is an interesting LINK here, to an entire series of photos and plans, showing the construction (stage by stage) of the Ouseburn Barrage.

http://newcastlephotos.blogspot.com/2008/05/ouseburn-barrage.html

Looks good... but all of this must have stalled as nothing has moved down here for months. The amount of student beds makes me a bit unhappy. I dont want some floppy haired gimp in a gilet interrupting my pint in the Cluny :lol:

That threadex building looks pretty interesting. What's happening with it?

One thing all of the above does prove is that despite lots and lots of work being done on numerous designs, applications and re-applications, and lots of money spent on this work, and on sites changing hands, nothing actually gets done in the Ouseburn. It's very frustrating, as for the 10 years I've been in Newcastle, there's always been so much talk about the place, and so little actual action.

That's not especially unique to ouseburn though. I'm just wondering if there's been much research published in town planning journals that compares the proportions of projects that advance to construction in different cities, including the reasons for failure. Probably down to a whole range of factors such as market changes, nimbys, council policy etc.

Haha, Toonlad's been out of uni five minutes and he's sick of students already! To be fair though, I'm not overly keen on the amount of student housing proposed for the area and I'm under the impression that there is more in the pipeline. It isn't an ideal location for students and although having some students there to create a mix of people, this isn't Shieldfield and shouldn't be treated as such simply because student housing is the only financially viable form of housing development at the moment. Besides, student housing is almost always pretty ugly as it's never given a decent enough budget and is made up of a huge volume of identical rooms. So putting a stripey pattern and a few quirky windows on it like Xsite (who have created some good stuff) have isn't going to create a decent building.

I'm also not amazingly impressed by the buildings proposed above. The Threadex one is quite quirky, but could be a little more so ideally. Tyne Sq looks like it should be in the city centre, possibly next to Jury's Inn... It doesn't reflect the character or spirit of the Ouseburn one bit. Arguably the same could be said of 7-17 Lime St (why use render here?) and the Ince Building.

The images of the Lower Steenburg's site are good though although that's a few years old now. The council really must hold out for the very best quality there or the Ouseburn will be filled with low quality anywhere development. For instance the second image shows little rounded blocks on top of the old Maynard's Toffee factory - these were proposed as being little business/office units built to look like teeth (Toffee? Teeth? Get it?) which I think could be brilliant if done well. If the city develops its sites down there well, the rest will have to at least make some effort to follow suit.

I also really wish the Castlefield basin in Manchester was used more as a prescendent, where the new buildings don't necessary look like old industrial buildings, but do fit well with them. Urban Splash create very expensive, tiny apartments, but their buildings do often have a decent architectural quality.

Haha, Toonlad's been out of uni five minutes and he's sick of students already!

Its been 4 years now... but I did have the prvilege of working there until 5 weeks ago. Its amazing when you work on a campus how quickly the lifestyle you used to cherish starts to irritate you! Something about going to a dull meeting at 1pm and seeing people drinking on the union lawn inspires feelings of envy :)

It was the City Development Company who bought the mouth of the Ouseburn site from Wimpey (Journal story here (http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2009/04/11/victory-in-fight-to-stop-ouseburn-tower-block-61634-23364089/); earlier discussion on the old forum starting here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=331974&page=177)). And the Terry Farrell scheme had in the end received planning permission, when an inspector overturned the City Council's refusal, which was a political response to a campaign by the regulars at the Free Trade pub, who didn't want anything on the site that was big enough to block their view. Given the history, it now seems unlikely that anything at all adventurous will happen under public sector ownership on a site which the East Quayside masterplan had set aside for a dramatic bookend. It'll probably be a car park and pumping station for many years.

Its been 4 years now... but I did have the prvilege of working there until 5 weeks ago. Its amazing when you work on a campus how quickly the lifestyle you used to cherish starts to irritate you! Something about going to a dull meeting at 1pm and seeing people drinking on the union lawn inspires feelings of envy :)

I didn't realise it'd been that long, I thought you'd headed to Canada fresh from uni. Don't get me wrong, as I'm getting older (I'm a few years older than my classmates) I get pretty sick of the students too!

It was the City Development Company who bought the mouth of the Ouseburn site from Wimpey (Journal story here (http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2009/04/11/victory-in-fight-to-stop-ouseburn-tower-block-61634-23364089/); earlier discussion on the old forum starting here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=331974&page=177)). And the Terry Farrell scheme had in the end received planning permission, when an inspector overturned the City Council's refusal, which was a political response to a campaign by the regulars at the Free Trade pub, who didn't want anything on the site that was big enough to block their view. Given the history, it now seems unlikely that anything at all adventurous will happen under public sector ownership on a site which the East Quayside masterplan had set aside for a dramatic bookend. It'll probably be a car park and pumping station for many years.

I can't see the city buying that site, bearing in mind the cost, to not do much with it. They'll still need to recover their costs, but hopefully with a more sensitive development. I actually really like the idea of the city acting as client for this site, and several others hopefully in the Ouseburn. I still think something dramatic could be done, just not something tall (which I think would be the wrong response for the site).

And I'm not sure, but did the original masterplan actually say that the site should have a "bookend" development there? I thought the plan, which the city appears keen to follow, was for the benefits of the Quayside to continue to spread East into Byker and even towards Walker...

And I'm not sure, but did the original masterplan actually say that the site should have a "bookend" development there? I thought the plan, which the city appears keen to follow, was for the benefits of the Quayside to continue to spread East into Byker and even towards Walker...

It was Terry Farrell's masterplan, so I think he was sticking fairly close to it - I assume that's why Wimpey brought him in, after having their rather uninspired earlier schemes turned down.

so it looks like 1NG are currently working with contractors to get detailed PP for refurbishment of Maynard's toffee factory on the lower steenberg's site in order to turn it into "managed ‘move-on’ business space aimed at the creative sector. "

This is what the official website says:

1NG is working to bring forward a vibrant mixed-use development which builds upon the character of the Ouseburn.

At its heart will be new commercial and residential accommodation. New commercial developments will be targeted at delivering space to small and medium-sized businesses in the creative industries sector - a niche market in which the Ouseburn excels.

At present, specialist consultants are establishing a viable development layout. 1NG will use the layout options to engage with key stakeholders, refine them further and progress through the planning and delivery stages.

Sounds very promising. I think the scheme I saw years ago was something like this - hopefully they're one and the same...

wonder if adrian pearson has been reading this thread...

Bid launched to regenerate formers Ouseburn toffee factory

Nov 9 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

A MULTI-million pound bid has been launched to turn a former toffee factory into a new home for Newcastle's creative industries.

City bosses want £6m to refurbish the Maynards toffee factory in Ouseburn to create offices for digital and media companies.

Power to carry out the plan has been tasked to the city development company 1NG, set up by council bosses at Newcastle and Gateshead.

Development bosses have said the riverside neighbourhood is one the key features in their plans to transform the “twin cities”.

In Ouseburn, the city developers have already snapped up land previously earmarked for a controversial tower block, said to have put at risk famous views of the River Tyne.

Elsewhere the two councils have backed plans to spend more than £23m producing a flagship science HQ in Newcastle and an £80m conference centre in Gateshead. With other projects still to be finalised the total cash spent by Jim McIntyre, head of the city development company, is well past £150m, bringing with it thousands of jobs over the next five years.

Mr McIntyre said he was confident the city could exploit the growth in hi-tech creative industries, similar to the games design jobs fuelling a sub-sector or the Teesside economy.

Last night, Byker councillor and regeneration specialist Nick Kemp welcomed plans to invest more cash in the Ouseburn area.

He said: “We’re talking about a fairly isolated, disused part of the Ouseburn, but one with real historical value and potential. I think any investment here will really improve the overall viability of the area.

“This really is a positive move that many people will think of as an excellent move for 1NG. We know any investment and regeneration will be difficult at the moment, but this could send out the right message to people, that the Ouseburn is an opportunity for them.”

Peter McIntyre, director of planning and programme management, said: “The Toffee Factory is an historical landmark building which is situated at the mouth of the Ouseburn. 1NG is investigating the feasibility of bringing the building back into productive use in support of the regeneration within the Ouseburn area.

“A business case has been submitted to ONE for their consideration.”

The £6m fund will include European cash set up to move the region away from infrastructure spending and into new industries.

A One North East spokesman said: “A business case has been received from partners at 1NG for the Toffee Factory refurbishment and is currently going through technical appraisal.”

http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2009/11/09/bid-launched-to-regenerate-formers-ouseburn-toffee-factory-61634-25120959/

That threadex building looks pretty interesting. What's happening with it?

to answer your question - nothing. there's still a pile of rubble on this or the tyne square site i believe.

Ouseburn concept masterplan image from the 1NG document.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/ouseburnplan.jpg

Am hearing positive vibes about Ouseburn valley projects in 2010

Decent projects? I'd hate to see a couple of poor quality ones coming forward and being hailed as a huge success story simply because something (anything) was being built during a recession...

Various Ouseburn projects featured in today's Grauniad.....


The beating art of Newcastle
Ouseburn's once derelict factories and warehouses are buzzing again as artists' studios, music venues and cinemas.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/dec/22/ouseburn-newcastle-art-scene

£6m plan for Ouseburn toffee factory unwrapped
Jan 25 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/jan2010/5/0/gfh-595850733.jpg

CITY leaders will this week be asked to approve a £6m plan to turn the Ouseburn into a new home for creative businesses.

The former Maynards toffee factory in the Lower Steenbergs Yard is the centrepiece of plans by Newcastle City Council to offer targeted office space to graphic designers, software engineers and architects.

Business experts say the artistic sector springing up around Byker and the Ouseburn Valley presents an opportunity to bring new life to the derelict building.

If councillors approve the plan a request will be made to development agency One North East for cash. Officers say public sector funding is only likely to become harder to find over the next few years, offering council bosses a one-off chance to invest in the area.

The Newcastle and Gateshead city development company will be expected to take the lead on redeveloping the site.

This will allow regeneration bosses at the development group the chance to show an “early win” as they continue with much bigger projects such as the Science City development in Newcastle and the cash-strapped plans for a conference centre in Gateshead.

It is hoped the finished building will be home to 160 staff. Up to 47 of these will be new jobs, with 12 new businesses expected to move to the region

Bill Shepherd, the council’s executive member for regeneration, said there were obvious benefits in bringing together the digital and creative sector in one place.

He said: “We have a chance to make a big impact in a relatively short period of time. By attracting these creative types to one place we can offer real benefits to businesses that are already in the area but just a little more spread out.

“I know from my own experience running small start-up businesses that one problem can be trying to find the right office space and of the benefits of having like-minded companies around you.

“I remember once hearing potential investors from London talking about these type of companies and saying how the problem they have when coming to Newcastle is that everything is spread out, there’s no identifiable hub in which to focus their efforts.

“Well, this in an attempt to counter those views and this is where to go.

“And it gives us the chance to offer support people who are finishing their degrees in the creative industries who want to stay in the North East, to give them a shared area in which to work with like-minded people.”

Council plans will see the remaining walls and floors of the existing building preserved, keeping much of the remaining Victorian features exposed. The council-owned building should be in use by next year and almost fully occupied within two years.

The £6m fund will include European cash set up to move the region away from infrastructure spending and into new industries. Officers say the plans will be discussed at Newcastle Council’s executive meeting this Thursday.

in use by next year!?? i doubt it!

Would like to see more detailed information about this, for instance pics of what it will look like. it sounds like a great project.

If it's anything like the proposal I saw years ago it'll be a real landmark, although it could be totally different by now.

Either way it's great to see that they're going to make use of the remains of the old building. This has the potential to be something really, really great.

Looking forward to seeing some renderings...

Just out of general interest, this is a link to a City Council map that shows the development sites in the Ouseburn:

http://www.ouseburnnewcastle.org/store/1219411915.437LID0.pdf

It's a bit out of date as it doesn't show the sites now managed by 1NG (mainly around the mouth of the Ouseburn) but it's a useful reference.

detailed application in for the conversion, Xsite Architecture working with 1NG.

2010/0151/01/DET | Conversion of abandoned former toffee factory for office use with additional third storey and associated entrance and highway works | Former Maynards Toffee Factory, Former Lower Steenbergs Yard Lower Ouseburn Quayside Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2NY

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/maynards.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/maynards2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/maynards1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/maynards3.jpg

unfortunately the riverside bit to the north is going to be surface carparking, though i think this might be temporary.

unfortunately the riverside bit to the north is going to be surface carparking, though i think this might be temporary.

Yes it's temporary. That bit of the site is 'mothballed' until it can be brought forward.

I actually find these designs really disappointing... Anyone know what the new facading materials are?

DCLG has just announced the following: East Bank, Ouseburn, Newcastle - a joint venture between ONE North East, Newcastle City Council and 1NG, this will deliver between 90 and 100 town houses and larger apartments, 22 of which will be affordable. Work is due to begin in May.

DCLG has just announced the following: East Bank, Ouseburn, Newcastle - a joint venture between ONE North East, Newcastle City Council and 1NG, this will deliver between 90 and 100 town houses and larger apartments, 22 of which will be affordable. Work is due to begin in May.

Good News!

Here is the LINK . .

http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/housing/1472137

DCLG has just announced the following: East Bank, Ouseburn, Newcastle - a joint venture between ONE North East, Newcastle City Council and 1NG, this will deliver between 90 and 100 town houses and larger apartments, 22 of which will be affordable. Work is due to begin in May.

brilliant :banana: is this the so called 'malmo quay' site opposite lower steenberg's? Do you have any further information such as images or layout?

brilliant :banana: is this the so called 'malmo quay' site opposite lower steenberg's? Do you have any further information such as images or layout?

I believe this is a different site to Malmo Quay. Not sure on it's exact location though, perhaps someone could help out?

Surely if it's going onsite in May it'll already have planning permission - in which case, surely someone will have images of what's going to be built?

Perhaps its the St Lawrence Apartments as thats on the East Banks?

Image from the first post of the thread:
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2157/stlawrenceroad.jpg

I understand that the recent announcement relates to the 'Ice Factory' and 'Heaney's' sites shown on this plan:

http://www.ouseburnnewcastle.org/store/1219411915.437LID0.pdf

I understand that the recent announcement relates to the 'Ice Factory' and 'Heaney's' sites shown on this plan:

http://www.ouseburnnewcastle.org/store/1219411915.437LID0.pdf

That must be this then?

Image from first post:
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9725/tynesquare.jpg

That must be this then?

Image from first post:
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9725/tynesquare.jpg

I doubt they are trying to resurrect that scheme. The press release refers to town houses and larger flats, and that scheme isn't either of those. Also, that scheme only relates to the Ice Factory site, not Heaney's.

I doubt they are trying to resurrect that scheme. The press release refers to town houses and larger flats, and that scheme isn't either of those. Also, that scheme only relates to the Ice Factory site, not Heaney's.

Well if they are starting in May it must be something that already has planning permission? Any ideas?

townhouses sounds interesting, 90 of them would make for a sizeable little community down there.

as for the May start, maybe it is optimistic. i dont remember any recent applications round here, and i doubt the tyne square proposals have been reinvigorated. the ouseburn central masterplan called for townhouses with roof gardens and there was a planning application to demolish some warehouse on the site -maybe this scheme is the one that is being developed by 1NG?

this is the 1ng ouseburn masterplan so i imagine it will be the stuff on the opposite bank to maynards.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/ouseburnplan.jpg

They will probably just have to make a 'meaningful start on site' in May. So that leaves (only just) enough time for a 13 week planning app, then they can get some cabins on site and dig a hole in the ground! Bit more work for full working drawings, and proper start on building work early July? Just guessing really

new development in for planning:

2010/0274/01/DET | Erection of 3,4 and 5 storey building comprising of 41 residential units (Class C3) and 140 sq metres of commercial floor space (Classes either A1,A2,A3 or B1), 18 car parking spaces and associated landscaping | Former Mowlem & Co Newcastle Ltd 4 Stepney Road Ouseburn Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TZ

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=KYNRXGBS05200

new development in for planning:

2010/0274/01/DET | Erection of 3,4 and 5 storey building comprising of 41 residential units (Class C3) and 140 sq metres of commercial floor space (Classes either A1,A2,A3 or B1), 18 car parking spaces and associated landscaping | Former Mowlem & Co Newcastle Ltd 4 Stepney Road Ouseburn Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TZ

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=KYNRXGBS05200

Make that Student Residential. They're gash, really horrible bog-standard crap. Deck access too! I thought that went out in the 70s!

That is arguably the ugliest building I've seen in a long, long time. Seriously, it's hideous. I'm not worried about the deck access to be honest - as long as the access to the decks is controlled at the point of access it can work as well as a corridor - but this must be refused.

However it says volumes that the officer given the job of urban design advice isn't an urban design officer, but is a member of the historic environment team. Don't get me wrong, he's a very good, knowledgable bloke who will hopefully drag them over the coals for submitting this pile of cr*p, but who's going to give them advice on whether the layout is right, if the scale and massing works, how they can improve (read "toally redesign") the elevations and roofline etc?

If this goes through and is built, in the Ouseburn, the whole planning department should be sacked.

Was just walking through the Ouseburn this lunchtime when I came across this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4459233659_b550375189_b.jpg

It needs to have an ents licence for events like the Ouseburn Festival

That is arguably the ugliest building I've seen in a long, long time. Seriously, it's hideous. I'm not worried about the deck access to be honest - as long as the access to the decks is controlled at the point of access it can work as well as a corridor - but this must be refused.

However it says volumes that the officer given the job of urban design advice isn't an urban design officer, but is a member of the historic environment team. Don't get me wrong, he's a very good, knowledgable bloke who will hopefully drag them over the coals for submitting this pile of cr*p, but who's going to give them advice on whether the layout is right, if the scale and massing works, how they can improve (read "toally redesign") the elevations and roofline etc?

If this goes through and is built, in the Ouseburn, the whole planning department should be sacked.

Thankfully the location is so out of the way nobody should ever really see it if it goes up. I don't think its the worst building I have seen in recent years, that award goes to the student resi near stepenys with the EXPOSED BREEZEBLOCKS! Who the hell was napping when that was approved?!

It needs to have an ents licence for events like the Ouseburn FestivalYes, its an important element in simplifying the provision of entertainment in the valley, it certainly will be used for the Ouseburn Festival (July 17th & 18th) but also for other ad hoc and planned events, mainly around the existing pubs and venues.
The area will include Ballast Hills (behind the pagodas of the Ouseburn Business Centre) which will be used for the Evolution Festival, but does not extend to Spillers Quay which will require specific Licencing for that event.

Its also worth noting that while this application will permit entertainment and alcohol in the open spaces of the Ouseburn, a separate policy by the City 2 years ago imposed "a presumption of refusal" on any further premises being licenced in the Ouseburn. These 2 fit together nicely - the existing pubs and venues should should be considered as the maximum, but they (and others) can extend their activities outdoors into some of the public spaces (tho authorisation from the City for certain activities may still be required).

I hope this helps to realise the Ouseburn's potential as a cultural and entertainment quarter.

Thankfully the location is so out of the way nobody should ever really see it if it goes up. I don't think its the worst building I have seen in recent years, that award goes to the student resi near stepenys with the EXPOSED BREEZEBLOCKS! Who the hell was napping when that was approved?!

Do you mean the block near the Cluny? Admittedly it's pretty rubbish, but have you seen the roofline on this proposed block? Talk about keeping it simple... Honestly, if a first year architecture student came up with this design they'd be failed. Seriously.

Nah I mean these ones on Stepeny Lane (on the left of the pic). I think these may be the worst and mostly cheaply constructed modern buildings in Newcastle City Centre:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_EgLJDS2dIVI/S6qKJ6_RKKI/AAAAAAAAAto/gHEe4gb8Pgk/s800/stepney%20lane.jpg

. . these may be the worst and mostly cheaply constructed modern buildings in Newcastle City CentreAbsolutely agree, toonlad. Even the road and pavements are unfinished.
Its those "pretend" balconys that annoy me the most, especially when people open the windows onto them (inwards, 'cos there isn't the depth for outward leaves) and every word of their chatter is audible down the road. (Okay, that's not unlike old french or italian lanes with, er, french windows on balconys, but they are occupied by families with a history and in buildings that stand the rigours of time. These won't.)
Design doesn't get much worse. Thought THEY will get worse - the view down that lane (Stepney Road) in 20 years time is going to be awful.

Oh, and one more thing. The revolving steel turnstile exit gates, and the inevitable cluster of people lurking outside them, does add a sleazy odour.

Fair play, they are rubbish, however everything on that strip running to the south of New Bridge St is - hence my rant on the East End Developments thread.

I still don't think they're worse than this development though and the main issue is that we were promised high quality development in the Ouseburn. This most certainly doesn't fit the bill.

Don't get me wrong, if the council refuse it, great, but I'll be surprised if they do.

Byker Bridge Housing Association has put in an application for a block of flats on foundry lane:

2010/0351/01/DET | Erection of 42 flats in 1 x 3 storey block and 1 x 5 storey block with roof garden and associated access, road, footpaths, car (9 spaces) and cycle parking, landscaping and boundary treatment | Former Stephen Easten Foundry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LH

as you can see there's next to nothing on the site now:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=foundry+lane,+newcastle&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Foundry+Ln,+Newcastle+Upon+Tyne,+Tyne+And+Wear+NE6+1LH,+United+Kingdom&gl=uk&ei=LvatS6nqJIPw0wSYp9CYDg&ved=0CAgQ8gEwAA&ll=54.975123,-1.590491&spn=0.001795,0.006539&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=54.975209,-1.590518&panoid=_1M17oPdrqEPUIHzoDEP3Q&cbp=12,22.09,,0,-4.01

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/ouseburnfoundrylane.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/ouseburnfoundrylane1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/ouseburnfoundrylane2.jpg

new development in for planning:

2010/0274/01/DET | Erection of 3,4 and 5 storey building comprising of 41 residential units (Class C3) and 140 sq metres of commercial floor space (Classes either A1,A2,A3 or B1), 18 car parking spaces and associated landscaping | Former Mowlem & Co Newcastle Ltd 4 Stepney Road Ouseburn Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1TZ

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=KYNRXGBS05200

just noticed that one of the images for this has a woman in a white coat riding a horse! :nuts:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/stepney.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/stepney1.jpg

Byker Bridge Housing Association has put in an application for a block of flats on foundry lane:

2010/0351/01/DET | Erection of 42 flats in 1 x 3 storey block and 1 x 5 storey block with roof garden and associated access, road, footpaths, car (9 spaces) and cycle parking, landscaping and boundary treatment | Former Stephen Easten Foundry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1LH


None of the pics shows what this would look like walking past it along the Ouseburn, or from the City Farm or the Cluny. I'm not good at imagining the angles, but my guess is that the most prominent features would be a blank wall and a car park? Which would be disappointing...

None of the pics shows what this would look like walking past it along the Ouseburn, or from the City Farm or the Cluny. I'm not good at imagining the angles, but my guess is that the most prominent features would be a blank wall and a car park? Which would be disappointing...They are a little misleading - the land rises steeply to the north (to the level of the City Stadium).

The blank wall is comparable to the wall there at present - I took this pic this afternoon, to compare with the 3rd impression. The bright red is paint intended to obscure underlying graffitti.
http://82.39.246.179/photos/Foundry Lane 0073 cropped.jpg
Although there are well known arguments against housing in this part of the valley, the Housing Association is seen in a more positive light than developers of some commercial residential new-build. Furthermore, that site, and the adjoining plot which is partly under the road bridge, have been particularly difficult to fill and have been attracting troublesome interest from youths for a few years since Steve Easton moved away.

This is a joke, surely? It looks like a Travelodge! What on earth is going on with the stripes of red brick and (presumably) white render? If you need to "break up" a flat facade like that, the architecture isn't good enough. The layout isn't terrible, although it'd look much better if these buildings referenced the surrounding industrial style a bit better. But the materials just look awful - not only the brick and render, but also the glazed stair cores, which I expect will look pretty cheap.

Bearing in mind the local industrial heritage (and the thick, sturdy buildings that come with that), if you're not going for something new and exciting, at least look at an example like the CASPAR building in Birmingham. Not overly exciting and the brick is too bland for my liking, but they're housing association flats built on a limited budget and its "mill building" style would fit in there so much better:

http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/imagecache/csLarge/case-studies/node/6468/edit/caspar-006.jpg

http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/imagecache/csLarge/case-studies/node/6468/edit/caspar-009.jpg

http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/imagecache/csLarge/case-studies/node/6468/edit/caspar-019.jpg

Having said that, I'm not against housing in the Ouseburn - far from it, there'll need to be a reasonable amount in there to enliven the area. Developments should try to be mixed use though, with some office, studios, etc within developments, especially on the ground floors, with some bits of retail on the main routes where viable.

Absolutely agree, toonlad. Even the road and pavements are unfinished.
Its those "pretend" balconys that annoy me the most, especially when people open the windows onto them (inwards, 'cos there isn't the depth for outward leaves) and every word of their chatter is audible down the road. (Okay, that's not unlike old french or italian lanes with, er, french windows on balconys, but they are occupied by families with a history and in buildings that stand the rigours of time. These won't.)
Design doesn't get much worse. Thought THEY will get worse - the view down that lane (Stepney Road) in 20 years time is going to be awful.

Oh, and one more thing. The revolving steel turnstile exit gates, and the inevitable cluster of people lurking outside them, does add a sleazy odour.


they aren't false balconies- they are Juliet Balconies (as of Romeo and Juliet) and common in housing (particular town housing) and apartments which are built in rather tight locations. Thety are quite good in the summer if you live in such a house and allows a lot of cool fresh air in. I like them (although not necessary this development!). Has anyone ever tried got stuck down the little alley way down by those apartments? You can't turn round or anything I had to do a 100 point turn one time to get out- a nightmare!

Some stuff may not be that good down the Ouseburn but I am just glad things might start to get built- this area is a gem in the city and the development has some what stopped- even before the recessions started.

I am just glad things might start to get built- this area is a gem in the city

I agree, it's a great place, but surely building crap will stop the area being a gem..?

I just get the feeling that after years of inactivity the powers that be have panicked and are grabbing whatever's offered - at exactly the wrong time, as only a few types of development are feasible at the moment.

Victorian factory is to be converted to offices
Mar 31 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nebusiness/mar2010/3/0/how-the-development-will-look-203177081.jpg

WORK is set to start on a £6m scheme to convert a former Tyneside toffee factory into a home for creative business.

The public-sector-backed scheme has just been given final approval by One North East and with the tendering for contract process under way, work is expected to start in September.

The redevelopment of the former Maynards factory will continue the development of Newcastle’s emerging cultural district of Ouseburn.

One North East has agreed to give the scheme £2,750,000, and there will be a further £3m from the European Regional Development Fund with Newcastle City Council agreeing to contribute £250,000.

Work is also expected to start next year on 100 new townhouses near the toffee factory after the Government recently selected Ouseburn as one of three sites in the country for a new homes initiative.

Peter McIntyre, director of planning and programme management at Newcastle Gateshead development company 1NG, said: “This scheme is critical for the next phase of the regeneration of Ouseburn.

“Over the past 10 years there has been development at the northern end and we are now concentrating on the southern end near the Tyne.

“This will be the first of many projects and should be a catalyst for private-sector development in the area.”

The former Maynards toffee factory in the Lower Steenbergs Yard will be converted into 24 office units varying in size between 500sq ft and 800sq ft.

They will be aimed at the commercial creative market such as graphic designers, software engineers and architects.

The space is expected to fetch around £18 per sq ft.

When finished the building will be home to 160 staff, with around 50 of these expected to be new jobs and it is hoped 12 new businesses will be attracted to the region.

The plans will see the remaining walls and floors of the existing Victorian building preserved.

The factory, which was under threat of demolition 10 years ago, is a throwback to when the Ouseburn Valley was at the heart of Tyneside’s industrial revolution.

Following more than a decade of redevelopment work, the area now boasts artists and recording studio 36 Lime Street, the 1848 flax mill designed by John Dobson, which houses dozens of artists and craft workshops, the Cluny and Ship Inn pubs, the Seven Stories centre and the Ouseburn Farm.

David Cramond, director of capital development at One North East, said: “The toffee factory will be a major addition to the cluster of creative businesses that are already making the Ouseburn Valley a unique investment location.

“The delivery of this facility will be the first phase of a wider vision to regenerate the Lower Ouseburn.”

Bill Shepherd, Newcastle City Council’s executive member for regeneration, said there were obvious benefits in bringing together the digital and creative sector in one place.

He said: “We have a chance to make a big impact in a relatively short period of time.

“By attracting these creative types to one place we can offer real benefits to businesses that are already in the area but just a little more spread out.

“I know from my own experience running small start-up businesses that one problem can be trying to find the right office space and of the benefits of having like-minded companies around you.”

I wish we could see more images of the proposed Toffee Factory conversion. If done well, and xsite and a decent practice, this could be a cracking landmark for the valley.

i wonder where the journal got that picture from, as i dont recall seeing it in the planning documents. I think this one will be done to a slim budget due to public sector pressures on spending, so it will have to be very intelligently and sensitively constructed. those coloured panels in particular could end up looking awful and cheap, or just the right amount of liveliness to spruce up the industrial shell.

Anyway, it is great news that this will be going ahead along with the 100 large apts/townhouses (i'd love to see some visualisations of these). it's even positive that there's proposals in the upper valley too, even if neither of those are of the best quality.

A larger version of the picture in 'Post 61' (from a 'hard-copy' of this mornings Journal) plus a view of the site as it is now . . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/OuseburnPlans310310a.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/OuseburnPlans310310.jpg

26 Lime St restaurant plan rejected by council planning committee this morning.

On what grounds? Where exactly is the site - I know absolutely nothing about this.

On the face of it, a restaurant on Lime St would be a good thing surely?

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do;jsessionid=350DB84F412FCA97CCB6487A73C65CA7?action=firstPage

Thanks Greg, although it appears that the planning officer hasn't put much up here... Does anyone know of any other sources of information on this site? I think I know which building it is and on the face of it I would say that this would be a perfect spot for a riverside restaurant.

Given the application reference, it was submitted in 2006 and it appears that the promoters (the owners of Secco / Alvino's) haven't been able to finance this scheme. Not sure why it's gone to committee now.

Yeah, I must admit I'm a bit confused. Why would their financial struggles result in the planners refusing it? Unless the planners have asked for a 106 contribution and the application has come in with a smaller contribution offered, or nothing at all?

To be honest, that'll not be an easy site to build on and getting businesses into the valley should be a priority, so the planners have to be realistic. Having said that we don't know the ins and outs as yet.

Yeah, I must admit I'm a bit confused. Why would their financial struggles result in the planners refusing it?
The developers submitted this admission of withdrawal
http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/files/3CF0224646693527668D4ECCBC7D741C/pdf/document-182767.pdf

Letter from Gusto Group to NCC Planning, dated 22nd March 2010:
"Re Lime Quays Development

Further to your recent correspondence regarding the imminent refer of our Project to Committee, I have outlined our situation below. Please forward to any relevant parties.

Since first submitting our reply to tender in 2003, we have done our upmost to ensure a quick completion. We have incurred over £150,00 in professional fees to date; architects, site investigation, abortive schemes subject to flood risk assessment, witdrawal of Planning Application due to Bat Survey being requested, a 15% increase in the cost of the building agreement with MGM due to the continual delays in getting on site.

The Section 106 agreement was never fully agreed as the Council was never able to satisfy our solicitor that the leasehold exchange with the boat club had taken place. I believe this still to be the situation.

Despite this Gusto UK has remained totally committed and enthusiastic to realise the vision it had in 2003 even increasing the original offer from £25,000 to £40,000 as requested in 2008. We have personally invested a considerable amount of money and time.

This was all done in the spirit of partnership which is the way we have always viewed the Lime Street Development. However due to the current economic climate we are unable to secure the required funding to realise the project in Lime Street unless the Council has any support to offer us."


Its inappropriate for me to post more about this

Hmmm, the link says that the document isn't available.

Don't worry DXNewcastle, I wouldn't want you putting your job on the line (I'm assuming that's why it's be "inappropriate", although you needn't confirm/deny this) just to give us info on here, I'm simply curious.

I wonder if this is an image of the townhouses to be built with govt funds in the ouseburn, got it from gradeonarchitecture's website:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/ouseburntownhouses.jpg

I wonder if this is an image of the townhouses to be built with govt funds in the ouseburn, got it from gradeonarchitecture's website:


I think that's a sketch scheme of potential housing on the 'Byker Buildings' site next to the Cumberland Arms. The site was marketed a couple of years ago and Ryders were interested in the site. To set it in context, the building you can see behind the houses is the Nationwide Autocentre and car parking.

They're pretty interesting looking... They'd certainly add to the mix in the Ouseburn if built. It'd be interesting to see what their ground floors are like though.

they look a bit like LA dingbats

they look a bit like LA dingbats

I've never heard of that term before! Did a search on google and you are right, they are very similar.

Haha, just googled them and I can see what you mean!

I guess the worry is that like the dingbats they'll only have parking garages on the ground floor, which leaves the street pretty dead. On the other hand, if you want to attract people with a bit of money to live right next to the Byker estate, you may need to provide secure parking (sounds awful, but that's the market).

Either way, those homes will have a cracking view.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4398443611_d940afb235_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4502542375_388151f615_o.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauljw/sets/72157623681068575/ - this guy is going to take pics once a month as the project develops.

What's to stop people jumping off the bridge onto the roof terrace?!

What's to stop people jumping off the bridge onto the roof terrace?!

Ha ha, security FTW!

It seems pretty close to the river there, does that bit ever flood?

The scheme does look pretty good, very New York loft style.

It's a shame about the Gusto application too it sounds like they were being very co-operative but it didn't work out for them.

I think the top floor is actually accessible from the bridge anyway, although I have no idea what I've seen/read/dreamt that makes me think that!

I really hope this scheme turns out well, it's a great opportunity to create a high quality landmark down there.

Buildings a class apart worth keeping
Apr 12 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

Tony Henderson on a lesson to be learned from old school buildings.

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/apr2010/5/3/quayside-business-development-centre-488950937.jpg

QUITE what generations of pupils made of the five-storey pagoda towers flanking their Tyneside school is anybody’s guess.

The Newcastle architectural practice responsible for the flamboyant Ouseburn Schools in Newcastle’s East End was that of Frank West Rich, which operated from Eldon Square in 1898.

The Ouseburn Schools building in Albion Row, facing City Road, is one of the examples held up from the North East by English Heritage of how old schools can be kept as community landmarks through being converted to new uses.

Built in 1891-93 at the considerable cost of £17,000, the listed school closed in 1977 and lay empty for years until it was converted into a business development centre, providing 50 offices and workshops.

The argument is that old schools are often important in local cultural, social and architectural terms.

And the massive Building Schools for the Future programme should not mean that all the buildings it replaces should be demolished, warns English Heritage.

A new book, England’s Schools: History, Architecture and Adaptation, by Elain Harwood, published by English Heritage at £9.99, says: “ It would be counterproductive if Building Schools for the Future led to attractive and still functional buildings being swept away unnecessarily.”

Northumbria University has just held a conference on the issues surrounding Building Schools for the Future which aims to spend more than £8bn by next year.

Local education authorities, Partnerships for Schools, school governors, heads and teachers joined forces with architects, engineers, construction experts and designers at the Newcastle Civic Centre event.

Another of the “recycled” North East schools which the English Heritage study highlights is the Joicey Road Open Air School in Gateshead.

It was built in 1936-7 and had classrooms for 150 boys and girls who had tuberculosis and other illnesses that required lots of fresh air.

The classrooms were arranged on a staggered plan to give a maximum of sunshine with large folding windows on three sides. The school was listed two years ago. Gateshead Council head of environment and regeneration Peter Thompson said: “Work on the Joicey Road Open School is underway and the building will reopen as new commercial space for a variety of businesses from the creative sector.

“Although finding a new use for the building was not straightforward we were conscious of the importance of the structure and were determined to do all we could to provide a future for the school building once no modern educational use could be found.

“We have been careful to ensure that a positive new use was found for the building whilst maintaining the existing structure which we acknowledge has an important place in the community.”

Another featured North East school is a County Durham village’s only listed building.

Easington Colliery School in the village’s main street, Seaside Lane, was built in 1911 and appeared in the film Billy Elliot.

The empty school was bought by developers but plans to demolish it and build new homes were rejected after a public inquiry in 2007.

Planning permission for a change of use of the building for conversion to enterprise and office facilitates was granted in mid-2007 and expires this July.

The former Day Industrial School which opened at Windmills Hills in Gateshead 1880 was converted after closure into a care home.

English Heritage North East director Carol Pyrah said: “All too often, not enough consideration is given to the potential of a historic school building to be upgraded and reused.

“Instead of seeing refurbishment as a fall-back or second-best solution, we want decision makers to have the confidence to believe that it is often the best and most appropriate solution. It uses what we have got, minimises requirements for new materials and cuts demolition waste, and it also helps to reinforce people’s sense of belonging and local identity. There are many alternative uses which can be considered.”

Ouseburn Schools architect Frank Rich’s other projects in Newcastle included the late 19th Century former printing works in Hanover Square which became Turnbull’s warehouse, now converted to luxury flats, Jesmond Dene iron bridge for Lord Armstrong, the extension of the Hancock Museum and Bolbec Hall in Westgate Road.

He was also responsible for the 1877 Cullercoats Watch House and Beacon House in the village. Rich, who lived in Jesmond Gardens in Newcastle, bought the 3,000-acre upland Dues Hill Grange estate near Harbottle in Northumberland.

All too often not enough consideration is given to the potential of a historic school building to be reused.

Newcastle firm xsite architecture are awarded
Ouseburn contract
May 12 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal


NEWCASTLE-based xsite architecture have been awarded the contract for the former Maynard's factory in the Ouseburn and are planning to transform it into a home for creative businesses in a £6m project.

And now the public have the chance to see behind the scenes as part of a 40-minute guided tour of Ouseburn, with members of the xsite team as the guides, and an outdoor cinema projection of historic photography of Ouseburn, alongside future proposals.

The redevelopment of the former factory will continue the development of Newcastle’s emerging cultural district.

In March, One North East had agreed to give the scheme £2,750,000, and there will be a further £3m from the European Regional Development Fund, with Newcastle City Council agreeing to contribute £250,000. This will see the former toffee factory in Lower Steenbergs Yard converted into 24 office units, varying in size between 500sq ft and 800sq ft.

They will be aimed at the commercial creative market such as graphic designers, software engineers and architects. The space is expected to fetch around £18 per sq ft.

When finished, the building will be home to 160 staff, with around 50 of these expected to be new jobs, and it is hoped 12 new businesses will be attracted to the region.

The plans will see the remaining walls and floors of the existing Victorian building preserved, including the landmark chimney, whilst adding modern features. Xsite were chosen because of their expertise in creating spaces for the creative industries.

The xsite tours are this Friday and Saturday from 7pm and start at xsite's home in Ouseburn, Foundry Lane Studios.

Tours are free - For more details call 0191 287 2161 or
visit - www.xsitearchitecture.co.uk

That might be interesting actually! Thanks for the info NH

A planning application has been submitted for:

Erection of a 3 storey building comprising of 10 residential units (Classes C3/C4), 5 commercial units (Classes A1,A2,A3 and B1) with 12 carparking spaces and associated landscaping | Land To East Of Foundry Lane

http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/xx240/TownPlanningNE/Misc/os1.jpg

http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/xx240/TownPlanningNE/Misc/os2.jpg

http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/xx240/TownPlanningNE/Misc/os3.jpg

http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=L1H99JBS09700

that looks pretty nice - seems like it would fit the feel of the ouseburn area. this site is right next door to the proposed social housing block on foundry lane, which can be seen further back in this thread.

This is so much better than that horrific social housing proposed next door... From what you can tell from those two perspectives it looks pretty good, I like it. They'll need to use a decent brick though.

I feel like we are finally seeing some momentum in the Ouseburn. Exciting times!

This proposal is from RM Accommodation, the popular letting agents, through their development branch, "Brackenshaw".

I agree with others that this is better than the housing Assoc's proposal. I'm a little surprised that they've managed to squeeze TEN 2 and 3 bedroom apartments into that space, with micro-gardens at the rear!

I guess the frontage works quite well with the prevailing "industrial" look to the area though it is a little bland. I feel it would benefit from some decoratative detail or pseudo-functional feature on some of the gables (e.g. a warehouse hoist jib above an upper window or eaves to the front of each pitched roof?).

The number of granted applications for this site which have never been realised must be as long as the Ouseburn itself, so perhaps we'll have the wilderness there a little longer?

This is so much better than that horrific social housing proposed next door...I'm told that the Housing Assoc has aquired the land for both developments, and will seek to sell (or lease?) this plot while they construct their accomodation block next door.

There's considerable resistance to housing in that part of the Ouseburn valley, on account of the noisy music venues, open air activities and rehearsal rooms.

I've no problem with a bit of housing down there, but the council need to take accurate noise readings in the evenings and ensure that any new housing is built with the necessary level of insulation, just as they would do next to a main road.

My issue is with the quality of housing, which should be high in a location like that. Especially with it being built right on top of Hadrian's Wall.

Did the Ouseburn walk today, From Brandling Villa, to The Tyne and spotted a few men in yellow jackets :-) Then noticed there was work going on. It looks like just basic site clearing (Rubble etc.), but maybe something has started?

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20100702_1.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20100702_2.jpg

In addition, to the Maynards work. I also noticed back in the main Ouseburn area, accross the burn from the zoo, beneath Byker bridge.....whatever was there before has now been, or is in the process of being demolished.

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20100702.jpg

In addition, to the Maynards work. I also noticed back in the main Ouseburn area, accross the burn from the zoo, beneath Byker bridge.....whatever was there before has now been, or is in the process of being demolished.

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20100702.jpg

Did that absolutely awful housing association development get planning approval?!

No. The application was deferred from the Development Control Committee meeting that it had been scheduled for, citing some incomplete background papers.
In fact, the Environment Agency EA), in their submission, had opposed it vigourously, on several grounds, including the allegation that, because of the high flood risk there, the City must perform a "Sequential Test" to find any less at-risk location first, and only permit development on this site after all better locations had been exhausted, a test the City had not undertaken.
There were other factors for the EA's objection. (None to do with the impoverished architectural standard, though).

The application appears to be suspended awaiting further reports.

The Environment Agency has then made another comment, withdrawing 3 of its objections.

But then, Brackenshaw, the intended developer of the adjoining 10 work-live flats/workshops, objected. But this is remarkable, because the Housing Association had bought both sites, and were hoping to sell half to Brackenshaw for their development, (whihc will go some way towards the costs of their own development. So we now have the situation where the buyer of half the Housing Associations' land are objecting to the owner developing on their own half!

All of these can be read under Ref: 2010/0351/01/DET

The demolition work was the subject of a separate Planning Application (for consent to demolish unlisted buildings).

The applicants have revised their designs. The bulk of the buildings, its internals and landscaping appear to be unchanged.
Full details on the City's website in the Planning section under the same reference as above.

http://82.39.246.179/photos/BBHA-199580.jpg

http://82.39.246.179/photos/BBHA-199582.jpg

(I'm grateful to the individual who brought these updates to my attention)

Grave concerns about the introduction of residential accommodation into the heart of the city's lively and noisy music community remain.

That looks, erm, interesting. But I do echo your concerns about bringing residents into this area. Which currently has a very very low residential population! Perhaps if any residential schemes were focused at students then it could enhance the music community?

They have at least changed the design for the better in some respects - removing that awful and pointless stone on the ground floor and whatever was cladding the top floor. Plus with the simple repeating windows it mimics the neighbouring industrial buildings. The main thing now is ensuring that a good quality brick is used, nothing too bland...

I'm still not sure about the black glass and the ker-a-zee glazing on the back, but it's better I guess.

As for increasing residential uses in the valley, it's good as a general idea in a way as it'll enliven the valley. However maybe it just needs to happen a bit more away from the Cluny etc... Either way, it needs some residential in there somewhere.

i think this scheme is far enough away from the cluny for it not to be a huge problem. more pressing will be the next door cumberland arms which has live and outdoor events. in terms of the more general residents vs nightlife debatre surely there can be compromises reached, ie if you choose to live there complaining before 11pm should be a no go, having a small buffer between the cluny which is a gig venue and new homes, or just making sure late licence places aren't blasting music out. my local pub in edinburgh stays open til 1am every night and is on the ground floor of a tenement block on a street of tenements, and suffers from no such issues.

though personally i do hope this proposal gets the go-ahead, it is a good size so will add some visual interest to the more empty side of the river and will deliver affordable homes. as said earlier some more student flats would probably fit in here as are walking distance to northumbria's newish campus and students are probably less likely to phone up about noise issues!

The final sentence on this post here, is a bit of a potential concern . .

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=60344129&postcount=85

It is a bit concerning... It'll be a great project if it happens.

. . . in terms of the more general residents vs nightlife debatre surely there can be compromises reached, ie if you choose to live there complaining before 11pm should be a no go, having a small buffer between the cluny which is a gig venue and new homes, Tonight, there was a complaint. One resident, to one Local Authority, whose two burly officers visited one Ouseburn music venue (during the annual Ouseburn Festival), whose manager then felt compelled to cancel the show. And this had all happened by 10:30 on a Saturday, during part of a special two day annual event (with a large audience leaving to wander the streets).

What compromise can be reached?
Our legislation favours the one resident inconvenienced by the Festival and its attenders.
(Even favours the new incomer inconvenienced by an established and/or regular venue or business).

FFS...

Creative firms flock to Newcastle's new cultural hub
July 21st 2010, by Peter McCusker, The Journal


TWO of the nine major office suites available at the £5.2m, 22,408 sq ft Media Exchange in the heart of Newcastle's cultural Ouseburn district have been let.

Design consultants Blumilk has taken Media 5 which covers 2,673 sq ft, and Allmedia Limited, the advertising, marketing and new media company, has taken Media 1 occupying 2,184 sq ft.

A third business is in talks to take significantly more space in the recently completed development with an announcement on this letting expected later this year.

Adam Richardson, development manager at regeneration specialists Priority Sites, said: “We are delighted with the high quality and excellent design of the Media Exchange.

“For office space take-up to be so quick in such a turbulent market assures the team that our decision to develop the site for a specific media market was the correct one and will undoubtedly help regenerate an area of Newcastle that is on the up.”

The Media Exchange is made up of three buildings. Each has three office suites ranging in size from 2,162 sq ft to 3,191 sq ft.

Each suite includes double-glazed windows, carpeted floors, perimeter trunking, LG7 lighting, suspended ceilings and communal shower rooms.

The Ouseburn is now home to Grade A office space that is in an easy-to-access and up-and-coming part of town, ideal for creative businesses.

Mr Richardson added: “The Media Exchange is the perfect place for businesses to thrive, away from the hustle and bustle, but close enough to make the most of city living.


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/commercial-property-north-east/news/2010/07/21/creative-firms-flock-to-newcastle-s-new-cultural-hub-51140-26892944/

Flats planned for Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley
August 3rd 2010, by Amy Hunt, Evening Chronicle


FLATS are planned for a regeneration area in a bid to solve waiting-list misery. Two developments are proposed for Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley.

Byker Bridge Housing Association is hoping to be given the green light to build 42 flats, in one three and one five-storey block, on Foundry Lane underneath the road bridge.

They would be available for rent as so-called “social housing”.

Bosses at the organisation hope the developments will help address the need for new homes in the city.

Developer Brackenshaw is planning a three-storey building with 10 maisonettes and five business premises on a site next door.

Byker Bridge Housing Association is a charity which aims to provide supported long-term accommodation for adults, along with job opportunities and training.

It says its flats would be aimed mainly at single adults, some of whom will have registered on the council’s housing waiting list.

According to plans, the development, on a former industrial site, would feature a roof garden and a lift and walkway allowing people to access it from the Shields Road area.

A total of 10 objections, some made by the same people, were lodged. Concerns included that the development would increase theft and vandalism, that it would attract homeless people to the area and that the building itself would be an eyesore.

The operators of the Cluny and the Cumberland Arms have raised fears about the potential for noise from their pubs to disturb residents.

But planning officers are recommending councillors should grant planning permission to both schemes at a meeting on Friday.


FULL (TWO PAGE) ARTICLE HERE - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2010/08/03/flats-planned-for-newcastle-s-ouseburn-valley-72703-26986057/

Just remembered I got these pics of the old Maynards site, last week on my walk down by the river.

Some work continues on the site since my last visit.

29th July 2010

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20100729_1.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20100729_2.jpg

The Planning Applications for the two adjoining developments in Central Ouseburn (see posts #86 and #97) were listed for hearing today; but were only partially heard and deferred for 6 weeks in order to receive more comment from relevant parties.

^^

More detail on the above, published in the Journal on 12th August . . .

Ouseburn Valley housing scheme postponed
August 12th 2010, by Amy Hunt, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/aug2010/4/8/ouseburn-valley-365981229.jpg

A HOUSING scheme in a regeneration area has been postponed to allow more time to consider its future.

A team in charge of overseeing regeneration in the Ouseburn Valley will examine two separate proposals for houses in the area.

Byker Bridge Housing Association hopes to build 42 flats, in one three and one five-storey blocks, on Foundry Lane underneath the road bridge.

The aim of the development is to provide homes for rent as so-called “social housing” as part of efforts to address the need for homes in the city.

Developer Brackenshaw is also planning a three-storey building with 10 maisonettes and five business premises on a site next door.

Councillors in Newcastle were recommended to grant planning permission to both schemes. But they decided to defer making a decision for six weeks after hearing concerns over noise.

The Ouseburn Valley attracts visitors to concerts at the Cluny as well as pubs in the area. It is also used as a venue during the Evolution music festival each May.

A total of 13 objections, some made by the same people, were lodged to the applications.

The operators of the Cluny and the Cumberland Arms raised fears about the potential for noise from their pubs to disturb residents living in the area.


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/08/12/ouseburn-valley-housing-scheme-postponed-61634-27045801/

^^

Just to clarify, the photo is of the wrong site. The pic is of the 'Toffee Factory' at the bottom end of the Ouseburn Valley; whereas the site that's the topic of the story is near the top of the Valley - opposite the City Farm.

(to avoid any 'friendly fire', it's not NH's fault as he's posted the photo that was attached to the original article. Blame the Journal :bash: ).

. . . and to be fair to the Journal, (there, its not every day that someone says that, is it?), the full article does, in its very last and discontinuous paragraph, refer to the Maynard site in the pic. And its last few words does attempt, clumsily, to link that site to the main story.
Makes you wonder though, was that the only pic they had / felt able to use, so that some sub-ed had to create the tenuous link in the last para?

Returning to the main story, it does appear that some shenannigans have been observed in the jostling surrounding the 2 proposed developments in the site between the Cluny and Cumberland!

What kind of shenannigans?

Planning Permission has been granted for the two housing developments in Foundry Lane: The Tyne Housing Association (formely Byker Bridge Housing Association) development of 42 small flats next to the road viaduct, and Brakenshaw's development of 12 work/live/studio/workshop units of the tree-lined slopes beneath the Cumberland Arms.

Labour Councillors voted against. Lib Dem voted for (and were in the majority).

interesting news DX - any thoughts on the chances of these starting construction any time soon?

I don't know.
However, I can give some insights which might give you an idea.

The Housing Association have been driving their proposals forward with great vigour, so I would expect to see that pace continue. For example, they bought the land last year in anticipation of this Planning Permission. The conditions attached are going to be onerous and expensive, but if they can continue to fund the development and to finance it during any delays (eg discovery of Roman remains while building on top of Hadrian's Wall), then I wouldn't be surprised to see development begin very soon.

The Brakenshaw development is likely to be slower and may even stall. Firstly, it will require the purchase of some of the land (the valley bank below the Cumberland Arms) which appears to belong to the City, in addition to the (former Kelly's yard) plot which they now own. (Strictly speaking, the Planning Committee gave permission to City land!) What price it goes for now with Planning Permsission is anyone's guess. I also have no idea of the market for the properties they're proposing but I doubt they'd proceed without some confidence in selling promptly (although the cynic in me notes that they're a wing of RM Accomodation student lettings and that they've applied for Class C4 so could easily be multi-oc/student accom which probs would find a market).

Brims Construction wins Toffee Factory contract
North East firm Brims Construction has been chosen as the contractor to develop the former Maynard’s toffee factory in Newcastle’s Lower Ouseburn Valley.


The derelict buildings will be redeveloped into 15,000 sq ft of office workspace in 25 units. The £6m project is due to be completed at the end of 2011.

Jim McIntyre, CEO of 1NG, the city development company which worked with the council and regional development agency to bring forward the contract agreement, said: “The imminent building activity kick starts the wider development of Ouseburn which will ultimately see it provide a mix of office, residential and leisure uses to capitalise on its already well-established hub of digital and creative activity.”

David Cramond, director of capital development at One North East, said: “The Toffee Factory will be a major addition to the cluster of creative businesses that are already making the Ouseburn Valley a unique investment location and one of the region’s and UK’s most significant cultural clusters.”

The project is part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, having secured £3m ERDF investment. One North East is investing £2.75m in the scheme, with a further £250,000 support from Newcastle City Council.


http://www.propertyweek.com/news/brims-construction-wins-toffee-factory-contract/5005820.article

Maynards site update - time for it's own thread maybe?

11th November 2010

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20101111_1.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20101111_2.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20101111_3.jpg

and

All the tall walls from the bridge and right down Ouse Street have been cut down to a uniform level all along. Work seems well underway on the existing building nearest the bridge.

12th November 2010

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20101112_1.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20101112_2.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20101112_3.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20101112_4.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20101112_5.jpg

Maynards site update - time for it's own thread maybe?

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/maynards20101111_1.jpg

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%202/maynards20101111_3.jpg




So, what is the concensus view - should a separate Project Thread now be set up for this one?

Seems a good idea to me.

New Project Thread set up for the 'Maynards Toffee Factory' only (see above).

HERE - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1259293

.

25th February 2011

Firstly, the site in front of Free Trade Inn and beside The Tyne appears to have been at least tidied up. Fences around the bottom have been removed and a new sign (advertising the Maynards site) has been put up.

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110225_1.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110225_2.jpg

Secondly, the road and pavement improvements in front of The Tyne (ongoing for the last couple of months) have just about been completed.

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110225_3.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110225_4.jpg

Finally, it appears something is afoot just along from Tyne Bar. It could just be the "completion" of the riverside walkway. Anyone know anything?

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110225_5.jpg

I see the Planning Application for the new XSITE office in Ouse Street, OUSEBURN has been lodged with NCC - Case No. 2011/0333/01/CAC
http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LH4BZ6BSAP000

This involves the demolition of the former Motor Mechanics garage that stands just go the North of the entrance to the Victoria Tunnel and next to the Carpet Warehouse.

By the look of things it's just a small gallery made of shipping containers, not a new office. Pity, I'd have loved to see what Tim Bailey would design for his own office. I'm a big fan of Xsite's work and Tim's a nice guy.

Either way, it's another interesting little piece of architecture in the Ouseburn - the more the better!

By the look of things it's just a small gallery made of shipping containers, not a new office. Pity, I'd have loved to see what Tim Bailey would design for his own office. I'm a big fan of Xsite's work and Tim's a nice guy.

Either way, it's another interesting little piece of architecture in the Ouseburn - the more the better!

This from the original application for the demolition :

The existing garage is empty and has been for a number of years, therefore the fabric of the building has deteriorated over time. The site needs to be cleared in preparation for the permanent development Planning Approval ref 2010/0670/01/DET granted 16th December 2010. This application is for a temporary use of the cleared site. The existing garage building is not listed and is considered by NCC Planning Department to be of low importance in terms of its contribution to the character of the Conservation area, therefore removal and temporary use of the site is an improvement of the area.

2010/0670/01/DET was granted on the Erection of 2 storey office building with hard and soft landscaping
http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=L0YGPIBSAP000

Hmmm, so they're putting a gallery there in the short term, then putting in a new office building? I wonder why they're doing that and not simply going straight to the construction of the office?

By the look of things it's just a small gallery made of shipping containers, not a new office. Pity, I'd have loved to see what Tim Bailey would design for his own office. I'm a big fan of Xsite's work and Tim's a nice guy.

Either way, it's another interesting little piece of architecture in the Ouseburn - the more the better!Agreed, on all counts, but I quite like the modersty of the propsals too.

I've wondered what thoughts TB might have for his business's future premises - I'm sure he lease on he present building comes up for renewal soon (I'd been interested in it myself when he/they moved in).

This from the original application for the demolition :The existing garage is empty and has been for a number of years, . . . It was a one-man business, a specialist in Jaguar and Daimler engines. A lovely man, with a traditioanal business dedicated solely to engines he felt passionate about. (And I had been a great admirer of those things myself, from back in the days when engineering expertise was more highly valued than running costs, 'environmental impact' or purchase price).

Hmmm, so they're putting a gallery there in the short term, then putting in a new office building? I wonder why they're doing that and not simply going straight to the construction of the office?

Best use of their land assets I would assume - the former garage is not used and would have to go for the eventual development. So sooner rather than later. and better to see something being done with what would have been either a derelict building or patch of land.

Can someone with Planning experience explain this - in a lot of Applications that I've seen on the NCC site it includes as a Constraint where a Listed Building is adjacent or as a neighbour. The Victoria Tunnel is Listed II but there is no mention of it as a constraint?

Ah, that makes sense - if the current offices are leased they'll be sat on that site for a while, so might as well put a gallery there in the short term.

11th March 2011

Work continuing on the riverside path...

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110311_1.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110311_2.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110311_3.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110311_4.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110311_5.jpg

Was there an accident on the bridge? Looks like someone's crashed into the wall!?

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110311_6.jpg

Great photos Stamford. It'll be lovely to take a walk the full length of the Ouseburn valley by the stream/river...

I see the Planning Application for the new XSITE office in Ouse Street, OUSEBURN has been lodged with NCC - Case No. 2011/0333/01/CAC
http://planningapplications.newcastle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LH4BZ6BSAP000

This involves the demolition of the former Motor Mechanics garage that stands just go the North of the entrance to the Victoria Tunnel and next to the Carpet Warehouse.

I didn't think the mortor mechanics has been open in the time I've lived in the area

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/Ouseburn__20110314_050.jpg

^^

More detail on the above, published in the Journal on 12th August . . .

Ouseburn Valley housing scheme postponed
August 12th 2010, by Amy Hunt, The Journal

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/aug2010/4/8/ouseburn-valley-365981229.jpg

A HOUSING scheme in a regeneration area has been postponed to allow more time to consider its future.

A team in charge of overseeing regeneration in the Ouseburn Valley will examine two separate proposals for houses in the area.

Byker Bridge Housing Association hopes to build 42 flats, in one three and one five-storey blocks, on Foundry Lane underneath the road bridge.

The aim of the development is to provide homes for rent as so-called “social housing” as part of efforts to address the need for homes in the city.

Developer Brackenshaw is also planning a three-storey building with 10 maisonettes and five business premises on a site next door.

Councillors in Newcastle were recommended to grant planning permission to both schemes. But they decided to defer making a decision for six weeks after hearing concerns over noise.

The Ouseburn Valley attracts visitors to concerts at the Cluny as well as pubs in the area. It is also used as a venue during the Evolution music festival each May.

A total of 13 objections, some made by the same people, were lodged to the applications.

The operators of the Cluny and the Cumberland Arms raised fears about the potential for noise from their pubs to disturb residents living in the area.


FULL ARTICLE HERE - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/08/12/ouseburn-valley-housing-scheme-postponed-61634-27045801/

is this the proposed site?

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/Ouseburn__20110314_098-1.jpg

I was speaking to one of the workmen who were putting in the new fencing in at the top of the bank above the Tyne bar and he said the site was being cleared to encourage someone to see it as an investment and develop the site

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/Ouseburn__20110314_014.jpg

I do think there is some potential in the site

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/Ouseburn__20110314_017.jpg

is this the proposed site?


Yes that's it - this is a photograph pre-demolition:

http://www.fototime.com/140022741AEA9AE/orig.jpg

This was the Yard (originally named Kellys Yard) used for storage by the builder Stephen Eastern before they went bust. More interesting was the fact that this used to be the site for Shiells Kipper Curers on Foundry Lane.

Founded by a Scotsman in the late 1800's who used to smoke the herring on site and sell them from a horse and cart all over Newcastle.
Fish curing continued until the 1970s, after which it became a plant hire
then haulage business' Later to be taken over by Stephen Easten.

I didn't think the mortor mechanics has been open in the time I've lived in the area

Been closed for about a year now - and for a while before that appeared to be working only part time.

19th March 2011

Work continuing on the riverside path...

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110319_1.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110319_2.jpg

19th March 2011

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20110319_3.jpg



A interesting result of the removal of the 'security wall' at Ouse Street was the sight once again of this house, the footprint and one corner wall which can be seen in the shot above.

Locally this building was known as the 'Mansion' and appears to have been a rather large building that was spilt into flats. It was demolished in the 1970's.

It was owned by the Tyne Tees Shipping Company and there was a suggestion that at one time it was the home to Sir Arthur Sutherland (although not proved).

The house can be seen on this map - on the other side of Ouse Street from the Victoria Tunnel Entrance:

http://www.fototime.com/2C2038A3696F6AB/orig.jpg

Some other views of the building:

http://www.fototime.com/88F5128A865EB27/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/E430013B8E4A114/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/5BEFB75C869F9C2/standard.jpg

19th March 2011

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/maynards20110319_3.jpg



A interesting result of the removal of the 'security wall' at Ouse Street was the sight once again of this house, the footprint and one corner wall which can be seen in the shot above.

Locally this building was known as the 'Mansion' and appears to have been a rather large building that was spilt into flats. It was demolished in the 1970's.

It was owned by the Tyne Tees Shipping Company and there was a suggestion that at one time it was the home to Sir Arthur Sutherland (although not proved).

The house can be seen on this map - on the other side of Ouse Street from the Victoria Tunnel Entrance:

http://www.fototime.com/2C2038A3696F6AB/orig.jpg



Hi Steve,

I love little detective tasks like this, but depending on your definition of "on the other side of Ouse Street from the Victoria Tunnel Entrance", I'm not sure it's the building you're thinking it is?

Going by landmarks, such as the kink in the wall (marked with a green X), I think the corner that is (kind of) still standing is marked the the red circle

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburnmap.jpg

Here's a picture with the Victoria tunnel entrance also circled (in green) and the same building corner from the other side of the valley.

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn_mansion.jpg

So the building (directly) opposite the Victoria tunnel once covered, what appears to be another tunnel entrance, disappearing into the wall.

As an aside, could this be another entrance, or connected into the Victoria tunnel?

Can you tell I'm a bit bored this afternoon? :)

Hi Steve,

I love little detective tasks like this, but depending on your definition of "on the other side of Ouse Street from the Victoria Tunnel Entrance", I'm not sure it's the building you're thinking it is?

Going by landmarks, such as the kink in the wall (marked with a green X), I think the corner that is (kind of) still standing is marked the the red circle

Here's a picture with the Victoria tunnel entrance also circled (in green) and the same building corner from the other side of the valley.

So the building (directly) opposite the Victoria tunnel once covered, what appears to be another tunnel entrance, disappearing into the wall.

As an aside, could this be another entrance, or connected into the Victoria tunnel?

Can you tell I'm a bit bored this afternoon? :)

Well just to stop the boredom, or perhaps not!

Yes, it's the red circles - pair of buildings.

As regards additional entrance to the VT, no is the answer, only entrances after the Wagonway was closed and chopped off at the Quayside was the World War 2 shelter entrance and two directly from the surface via manholes and ladders.

The tunnel like entrance you mention is just an entry into a building that is confined to the Yard, that building does however have a cellar as can be seen in some of the following shots:-

http://www.fototime.com/CAF1171360FAE3A/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/C67F11A006539ED/standard.jpg

During our walk around Lower Steenberg Yard we did come across what appeared to be an air raid shelter which would have been used by the workers down there. Here are some shots :-

http://www.fototime.com/D50269EF53F9B2C/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/7B49F68A642D6E5/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/873E358B9A9D5BE/standard.jpg

I REALLY wish the carpet place would be demolished for a few reasons:

1. Its bright yellow and ugly
2. It's a gateway site for the Ouseburn and is not at all welcoming
3. There is a 30 foot phallus graffitied on it's roof, visible from Byker Bridge

Well just to stop the borehole, or perhaps not!

Yes, it's the red circles - pair of buildings.



Excellent - glad I've not spoilt your research :-)

I REALLY wish the carpet place would be demolished for a few reasons:

1. Its bright yellow and ugly
2. It's a gateway site for the Ouseburn and is not at all welcoming
3. There is a 30 foot phallus graffitied on it's roof, visible from Byker Bridge
Just take the cladding off and there is a traditional brick bulding that would look like most others around the area

24th March 2011

Work continuing on the riverside path...

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110324_1.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110324_2.jpg

Any more info on the riverside path? I'm not that familiar with the area so not sure what it's near to (apart from the river!), where it runs, etc.

Any more info on the riverside path? I'm not that familiar with the area so not sure what it's near to (apart from the river!), where it runs, etc.

the riverside path is supposed to connect the top end of ouseburn valley (the Cluny, ship etc) with the mouth of the ouseburn (where the Tyne bar is) there is a pathway that goes from the foot bridge next to the Cluny through to cut bank / byker bank but the last bit you needed to walk through an industrial estate next to sheppards scrap yard which was a bit uninviting I'll try and illustrate on this pic

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/valley.jpg

the solid green line is the current path and the dotted green line is the bit under construction

I'm sure there are more reasons then just linking several pubs (with new developments at Maynards and the Glass house sites) but that will be the main reason I use it

Thanks for the answer.

the riverside path is supposed to connect the top end of ouseburn valley (the Cluny, ship etc) with the mouth of the ouseburn (where the Tyne bar is) there is a pathway that goes from the foot bridge next to the Cluny through to cut bank / byker bank but the last bit you needed to walk through an industrial estate next to sheppards scrap yard which was a bit uninviting I'll try and illustrate on this pic

the solid green line is the current path and the dotted green line is the bit under construction

I'm sure there are more reasons then just linking several pubs (with new developments at Maynards and the Glass house sites) but that will be the main reason I use it

It will make a pleasant walk, away from the traffic and through some interesting history. Of course it doesn't just stop at the Ship/Cluny (although I'm sure many folk will for refreshment and sustenance purposes) but continues to the East of the Farm and up under the Bridges and to the City Stadium and into the lower reaches of Jesmond Dene.

Just the sort of route for a Segway Safari (gone silent on that topic ain't it)

Sent from my iPad using SSC Forums

It will make a pleasant walk, away from the traffic and through some interesting history. Of course it doesn't just stop at the Ship/Cluny (although I'm sure many folk will for refreshment and sustenance purposes) but continues to the East of the Farm and up under the Bridges and to the City Stadium and into the lower reaches of Jesmond Dene.

Just the sort of route for a Segway Safari (gone silent on that topic ain't it)

Sent from my iPad using SSC Forums

it will would be nice if there was something at city stadium to go to or even a pathway link to the biscuit factory that doesn't involve going all the way up Stepney Bank or through Stepney Road

Just the sort of route for a Segway Safari (gone silent on that topic ain't it)


Probably due to this: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20028927-1.html and http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/ethicallivingblog/2008/jul/21/canthesegwayeverbethenex

They have been ruled as illegal for use on UK public paths and roads.

it will would be nice if there was something at city stadium to go to or even a pathway link to the biscuit factory that doesn't involve going all the way up Stepney Bank or through Stepney Road

There is a path directly from City Stadium down into the Ouseburn, away from the roads. Just walk to the southern end of the sunken running track, then up onto the bank, where you'll see a path. Follow that down the wooded hill and you'll come out by the fields and horse paddocks at the northern end of the Ouseburn. It's a nice walk, although one more than one occasion I've bumped into a few mouthy drunken homeless guys. Not something for a guy to worry about, but a girl might feel a bit uncomfortable on her own.

As for the Segways, I feel like in a way it's a bit of a shame, it could have been an extra little tourist attraction to offer something different for visitors. Having said that, I don't like the idea of Segways been legal on paths in this country - bicycles aren't allowed and I reckon if you got hit by a Segway at full speed it'd do a bit of damage... Plus I guess I'm happy from a personal perspective as the Dene and the Ouseburn are lovely places to walk without a crowd of Segways zipping past.

Having said all that... is the road in the Dene a public road/path?

There is a path directly from City Stadium down into the Ouseburn, away from the roads. Just walk to the southern end of the sunken running track, then up onto the bank, where you'll see a path. Follow that down the wooded hill and you'll come out by the fields and horse paddocks at the northern end of the Ouseburn. It's a nice walk, although one more than one occasion I've bumped into a few mouthy drunken homeless guys. Not something for a guy to worry about, but a girl might feel a bit uncomfortable on her own.


When coming down the paths from the City Stadium its worth taking the time to look at the bank - there is a lot of what was in its time 'rubbish' now surfacing from the building of the Stadium and also from buildings which have been demolished over the years.

Good point, I forget that it's an old tip! I bet there's some really interesting remains

Good point, I forget that it's an old tip! I bet there's some really interesting remains

Well it took many years to fill up the valley and I would imagine that if it was ever excavated would result in some great finds. However there are photographs from 1907 that I've seen detailing the scavengers who picked through the rubbish to eke out an existence, much as can be seen in many African countries.

The tip must have been a blight for those living in the terraced houses of Dinsdale Road and Newington Road which overlooked the site.

The Council at that time had plans to build houses on top of the tip once it had been filled. However they became better educated when the lack of stability of the site and the methane gas problems that would arise were realised.

There is also evidence that the City Stadium was once considered for the home of Newcastle United when it was first founded.

Well it took many years to fill up the valley and I would imagine that if it was ever excavated would result in some great finds. However there are photographs from 1907 that I've seen detailing the scavengers who picked through the rubbish to eke out an existence, much as can be seen in many African countries.

The tip must have been a blight for those living in the terraced houses of Dinsdale Road and Newington Road which overlooked the site.

The Council at that time had plans to build houses on top of the tip once it had been filled. However they became better educated when the lack of stability of the site and the methane gas problems that would arise were realised.

There is also evidence that the City Stadium was once considered for the home of Newcastle United when it was first founded.


This is from March 8th 2010, on the 'Newcastle as it might have been' thread . . .

Here is some interesting information on CITY STADIUM and plans for its use . . .


http://ouseburntrust.org.uk/uploads/Newsletters/Ouseburn_Past_and_Present_2.pdf

Has anyone noticed the public licence notice on Lime Street? I was walking down past Seven Stories and noticed an application made by NCC. I can’t remember what it was referring too? I noticed a few of them round the Ouseburn. I’m now thinking I should have took some notice, perhaps a new bar? Anyone have any clues what I may be referring to? Sorry for the lack of information. It wasn’t a planning ap.

Dam my laziness !

Jamie

.

Has anyone noticed the public licence notice on Lime Street?I assume that you are referring to the Licence Application by the City, to the City, for the Premises Licence which covers the outdoor areas of the Ouseburn.
It was granted at least a year ago and was discussed on here at the time.
There was even a picture of one of the notices on post #44 of this thread, here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=53970329&postcount=44). Is that what you are enquiring about?

If so, it enables outdoor events to take place in the area, though organisers have to gain permission from the City (who are the Premises Licence Holder) to do so, and the City makes a charge based on the capacity.
It was used for the 2010 Ouseburn Festival. If you need any more information about this please PM me (I am close to the people concerned).

7th April 2011

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_1.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_2.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_3.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_4.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_5.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_6.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_7.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_8.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_9.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_10.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_11.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_12.jpg

http://www.entertainment-newcastle.com/images/ouseburn20110407_13.jpg

I thought the idea behind the barrage at the mouth of the Ouseburn was to keep the water at high tide level and not expose the mudflat. But these pics clearly show it not to be the case.... is there some ecological reason the barrage seems to be permanently open?

I thought the idea behind the barrage at the mouth of the Ouseburn was to keep the water at high tide level and not expose the mudflat. But these pics clearly show it not to be the case.... is there some ecological reason the barrage seems to be permanently open?

Don't know but it's been open since the end of last year, prior to that all of the oxygenating plants that had been put in were looking very dead and the river was very cloudy

It was kept open during 'the big freeze', and rightly so in my opinion, to assist in the loss of habitat and resources if it solidified.
It was closed for a while thereafter, but has been open for most of the Spring. I've wondered if this may be in order to assist the contractors in building the river walls through the (tidal) Lower Ouseburn development site?

. . . . . . prior to that all of the oxygenating plants that had been put in were looking very dead and the river was very cloudyBut its been the very popular home for many ducks and visiting swans over the past few months. (less so for one of the Farm's hens which died today after crossing the Ouseburn. RIP).

It always was popular with the local wildlife, love that river and when the riverside walk is completed it will be even better I just hope that any new building work doesn't close the area off

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/river1024.jpg

But its been the very popular home for many ducks and visiting swans over the past few months. (less so for one of the Farm's hens which died today after crossing the Ouseburn. RIP).

I had a walk around there today and snapped a few shots, they're only from my camera phone.

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7826/imag0275v.jpg
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/6768/imag0276f.jpg
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9291/imag0277s.jpg
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/8287/imag0278g.jpg
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9032/imag0279y.jpg
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/2974/imag0281d.jpg

I see the Quayside business development centre has been renamed

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/misc__20110410_28.jpg

There's a huge fire burning away in Ouseburn tonight. Just literally walked by.

There's a huge fire burning away in Ouseburn tonight. Just literally walked by.

:ohno: not again.

which property?

Found it, one of the of the Garages on back Mailing street went up and the wall has collapsed taking part of the scarab scrawl with it up-loading some pics

posted from my photobucket (http://s583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/) account and copyrighted to me

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/1.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/2.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/3.jpg

not the first time that site has been hit by arson iirc

^^

Probe after fire rips through garage in Byker
by Dan Warburton, Evening Chronicle, April 20th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/apr2011/4/8/firefighters-tackling-the-blaze-on-newcastle-s-quayside-160722151.jpg
Firefighters tackling the blaze on Newcastle's Quayside

SMOKE fills the night sky as a blaze tears through a garage sending flames leaping into the air.

The fire broke out on Ouse Street, Byker, Newcastle, at just before midnight yesterday.

Smoke billowed from the small graffiti-daubed building as it was reduced to a charred wreck.

Eight firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Fossway fire station were at the scene in the city’s East End.

Crews spent more than an hour-and-a-half dousing the flames to bring the blaze under control.

Today Paul Hopkins, watch manager at Fossway fire station, said: “It’s a building being used by someone to store wood pallets.

“It wasn’t in a great state when we arrived but it was a wreck when we left. We don’t know what caused the fire but we received the call at 11.58pm and left at 1.30am.”


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/04/20/probe-after-fire-rips-through-garage-in-byker-72703-28553402/#ixzz1K4fwDnPW

Aye, another MQF !!

^^

Probe after fire rips through garage in Byker
by Dan Warburton, Evening Chronicle, April 20th 2011

SMOKE fills the night sky as a blaze tears through a garage sending flames leaping into the air.

The fire broke out on Ouse Street, Byker, Newcastle, at just before midnight yesterday.

Smoke billowed from the small graffiti-daubed building as it was reduced to a charred wreck.

Eight firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Fossway fire station were at the scene in the city’s East End.

Crews spent more than an hour-and-a-half dousing the flames to bring the blaze under control.

Today Paul Hopkins, watch manager at Fossway fire station, said: “It’s a building being used by someone to store wood pallets.

“It wasn’t in a great state when we arrived but it was a wreck when we left. We don’t know what caused the fire but we received the call at 11.58pm and left at 1.30am.”

Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/04/20/probe-after-fire-rips-through-garage-in-byker-72703-28553402/#ixzz1K4fwDnPW

Cannot see this as being one to add to the MQF's as the building was in poor condition and wouldn't expect there being any hesitation in permission given for demolition.

However there is a link with a prior fire on that site..............................

The DUKE OF YORK used to occupy that site, or very close to it - see 1896 OS map below:

http://www.fototime.com/D89EC602ECAD41A/orig.jpg

The Duke of York was situated between Malling Street (now Ford Street) and Back Malling Street and was built in 1880. The pub was constructed on a bank and much of the foundations were formed from ballast taken from the Ballast Hills which were just over the road.

The link to the present day fire is that a fire nearly destroyed the pub in 1920.

The back of the pub is also reported to have collapsed during a Saturday night sing song - the back of the pub was built over the slope and perhaps the constant toe tapping weakened the structure.

The pub closed in 1952 and a couple of regulars decided that as a memento they would uproot one of the two quoits poles in the yard. One of the guys managed to make off with the pole but unfortunately he was knocked down and killed on Shields Road. As a result the quoits pole was considered to be jinxed and no one would interfere with the remaining one.

This photograph shows the pub on the left hand side and it comes courtesy of the Newcastle City Libraries Archive Collection @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/4081298232/sizes/o/in/photostream/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3491/4081298232_379f5093ed_o.jpg

Cannot see this as being one to add to the MQF's as the building was in poor condition and wouldn't expect there being any hesitation in permission given for demolition.
I just meant it in the sense of there perhaps being a distinct smell of '4 star or unleaded' in the vicinity [rather than the broader sense of it facilitating a previously blocked demolition]. Great map and pics.

I just meant it in the sense of there perhaps being a distinct smell of '4 star or unleaded' in the vicinity [rather than the broader sense of it facilitating a previously blocked demolition]. Great map and pics.

Ah well there you go, I always associate the MQF's as something with an ulterior motive :tyty:

Ah well there you go, I always associate the MQF's as something with an ulterior motive :tyty:

I am sure that this one was completely innocent and that there was nothing untoward at all [allegedly].

Wasn't that long ago the the MQF was across the road, this is one from my archives

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/IMG_5847.jpg

I am sure that this one was completely innocent and that there was nothing untoward at all [allegedly].

Perhaps it was struck by lightening :bash:

Wasn't that long ago the the MQF was across the road, this is one from my archives



Don't think there was much of a mystery with this one as the subsequent court case proved. :guns1:

I am sure that this one was completely innocent and that there was nothing untoward at all [allegedly].

Quite a lot going on there anyway resurfacing of Ford Street, Traffic lights on Walker road/ford street, Toffee Factory, Tyne Bar and Mailing street and there was usually someone burning stuff on the empty land behind the garage that burnt

Don't think there was much of a mystery with this one as the subsequent court case proved. :guns1:

oooooh I must have missed that you got a link? (pm it if you like)

oooooh I must have missed that you got a link? (pm it if you like)

PM sent :cheers:

.
An interesting article from this weeks Journal NEBusiness Magazine . .

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/OuseburnValley-PROGRESSbyApril2011_0001.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/OuseburnValley-PROGRESSbyApril2011_0002.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/OuseburnValley-PROGRESSbyApril2011_0003.jpg
http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/OuseburnValley-PROGRESSbyApril2011_0004.jpg

Some excellent photos from Steve Ellwood, posted on the Historic Newcastle thread today, of interest/relevance on this thread also . . .



On the matter of buildings being demolished/reduced in World War 2 to avoid potential bomb damage - the chimney attached to the Flax Mill in Lime Street, Lower Ouseburn Valley was also reduced in size. The chimney's size was greatly reduced on the theory that if hit by the Luftwaffe it could have collapsed and hit Byker Bridge. The bricks from the removed section were simply tipped into the remaining chimney and I suppose could be rebuilt to its former glory.

http://www.fototime.com/06E61760D8E334F/orig.jpg

However one thing that strikes me as unusual in this action was the fact that the chimney at the Maynards Toffee Factory site was not reduced and given its proximity to Glasshouse Bridge I would have though it must have been a contender. However it is much smaller than the chimney in Lime Street so perhaps it didn't present such a danger.

http://www.fototime.com/FF3CC18714DE376/orig.jpg

Update of things from the Ouseburn

the Traffic lights on Walker road / Ford Street / Glasshouse Bridge are completed and working making a safe pedestrian crossing point

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/misc_20110511_138.jpg

also providing traffic control allowing vehicles coming out of Ford Street to turn right onto Glasshouse bridge

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/misc_20110511_083.jpg

The Riverside path is progressing

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/misc_20110511_101.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/misc_20110511_114.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/misc_20110511_125.jpg

also with upgrades to the backsides

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/misc_20110511_107.jpg

And lastly an update

I REALLY wish the carpet place would be demolished for a few reasons:

1. Its bright yellow and ugly
2. It's a gateway site for the Ouseburn and is not at all welcoming
3. There is a 30 foot phallus graffitied on it's roof, visible from Byker Bridge

the building has been repainted so as to be less offending to the eye

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/misc_20110511_003.jpg

A couple of Panoramic shots of the Ouseburn area, around the Toffee Factory (Click on them to get the bigger versions

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/toffee-pano1.jpg (http://www.kreminphotography.co.uk/toffee-pano1.jpg)

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Archives/toffee-pano2.jpg (http://www.kreminphotography.co.uk/toffee-pano2.jpg)

Good to see the progress being made - I wonder what the land here towards Ouseburn Bridge is going to be treated, i.e. what's going to there?

I don't know for sure but I could see it being off street parking, which would make sense otherwise where would they go? (they might even be able to make money renting space to the Hotel Du-vin for cusomer parking) also there was an overflow reservoir built just by the bridge a couple of years age which cuts off a bit of the land they could use

A lot of the present work is in creating 'the Ouseburn walkway' along the eastern bank (and which currently ends abruptly behind Raskal / the former Bill Heaney Coachworks) and the remedial work to the river banks.

I'm told that it may be open in July, although as the works continue, it may be unsafe to have it open continuously.

The next MQF? I wonder . . . . .

the building has been repainted so as to be less offending to the eyeIt has. During its last repaint (from red to yellow), the roof was untouched, and so the message "I LOVE YOU" in enormous white lettering remained. But this time, the repaint included the roof - and so the message has gone.

Did anyone notice the reply on the south side of the Ouseburn Metro Bridge a year or so ago? It simply said "I Love You Too".

Good to see the progress being made - I wonder what the land here towards Ouseburn Bridge is going to be treated, i.e. what's going to there?

This 'vision' by 1NG shows a long green space along that bank of the Ouseburn:
http://82.39.246.179/photos/Ouseburn vision 1NG.jpg

(from http://www.1ng.org.uk/websitefiles/1NG_1Plan_Pt3_Vision.pdf)

Shepherd is on fire!!

The black plume of smoke is covering most of Byker and the flames were visible from the Central Motorway.

The central Ouseburn area is closed by Police who are considering evacuation.

http://82.39.246.179/photos/Ouseburn Fire 1 small.jpg
http://82.39.246.179/photos/Ouseburn Fire 5 small.jpg
http://82.39.246.179/photos/Ouseburn Fire 4 small.jpg
Pics taken around 12:45 from Commercial Road, Steps below Cumberland Arms and New Bridge Street.
This will be the next in that line of MQFs.

Big fire at the former Shepherds Scrapyard in the Ouseburn Valley - MQF?

Can see the pall of smoke from here in Whitley Bay.

Newcastle scrapyard fire prompts evacuations
19 May 2011, BBC News, Tyne & Wear Website

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/52836000/jpg/_52836923_jex_12517_de24-1.jpg
Smoke from the fire can be seen across Newcastle

MORE THAN 40 firefighters are tackling a major blaze at a scrapyard on Tyneside.

A number of explosions were reported coming from the facility in Albion Row, in the Byker area of Newcastle.

Surrounding buildings were evacuated after the fire was reported at lunchtime, Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade said.

Smoke from the blaze could be seen across the city and as far away as Hartlepool, about 30 miles away.

Michael Potts, from the Free Trade pub in Byker, said he heard a number of explosions when the fire began.

He said: "We heard several bangs and then saw a lot of smoke."


Read More - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-13455952

^^

Here is a LINK to a more detailed REPORT, many more PHOTOS, and a VIDEO of the fire . . .

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/05/19/live-coverage-of-major-fire-in-byker-newcastle-72703-28725518/

^^

Here is a LINK to a more detailed REPORT, many more PHOTOS, and a VIDEO of the fire . . .

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/05/19/live-coverage-of-major-fire-in-byker-newcastle-72703-28725518/

The MQF strikes again.....

The MQF strikes again.....

Strange as they usually happen in the hours of darkness :ohno:

Well, you've got to mix it up a bit haven't you?

The heavy kit to pump water from the Tyne was brought in - the heavy duty hoses were run through the Tyne Bar picnic area.

Long videos being uploaded to YouTube - links to follow.

Some canny photos from from xsite architecture on twitter.

http://twitter.com/#!/xsite_arch

For example:

http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg616/scaled.php?tn=0&server=616&filename=yy95.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTPNW4eHlp0

there's a pic on flickr taken from over 22 miles away and you can see the black cloud of smoke

Newcastle scrapyard blaze closes city streets


Two people treated for minor injuries and residents evacuated as black smoke drifts over city

The fire at a scrapyard in Byker, Newcastle. Photograph: Hugh Macknight/PA
Fifty firefighters are tackling a spectacular fire in the east end of Newcastle upon Tyne that has sent clouds of black smoke billowing over the famous Byker Wall flats.

Residents have been warned to stay inside and shut all doors and windows as thick smoke poured from tyres and oil-soaked car wrecks at a scrapyard in nearby Albion Row.

A small number of local people were evacuated from their homes in Northumberland Row but are expected to be allowed back within hours. Six staff working at the yard left after raising the alarm, when smouldering smoke in a six-month-old pile of scrap suddenly burst into flames.



To read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/may/19/newcastle-scrapyard-blaze

Looked a bit warm in there

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226232_10150243108621774_538791773_8493992_3403392_n.jpg

loads more when I work through them

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/227158_10150243114311774_538791773_8494010_5184627_n.jpg

I did chuckle at the Twitter hashtag #ouseburning, and there was some great Geordie humour in evidence:

"Scrapyard on fire. 8 fire engines sent. The owner's offered £50 an appliance but they can keep the tax discs and stroke mags."

"To avoid excessive smoke inhalation local students and dossing chavs are being advised to OPEN their windows."

Etc, etc...

Second Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw0wUtIHHCk

My best pics from the fire are uploaded to photobucket link here (http://s583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Shepards%20fire/)



http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/Jack-claw/Shepards%20fire/IMG_8373.jpg

My photo just before 1.00 on my way to bookbinding
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/lomographer/IMGP2780.jpg

copyright me

Photos of the smoke cloud taken from the Sage.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/5737548738_21f6a30b52_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5736999247_0750a66100_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/5737552086_b783d38efa_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5737554282_995f89af5a_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/5737556062_2530e5781c_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/5737008881_8f657140da_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5737561846_c7fe8d4d42_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/5737565160_5c1c91eb36_z.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/5737566904_1997c1b5bb_z.jpg

All photos taken by me and are hosted on my Flikr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/46354329@N06/sets/72157626758193662/

Cheers GBDT

The one taken from Neville Street has a particularly apocalyptic feel about it (apart from the unconcerned passers-by). As if the Twin Towers at the Swan House roundabout had just collapsed and the whole area was two seconds away from being filled with smoke, ash and debris.

Have a video of the fiire, taken from the Sage at http://www.flickr.com/photos/46354329@N06/5737656826/

Appologies for the format of the picture! Don't know how to turn it around - if that's possible! :nuts:

Cheers GBDT

The one taken from Neville Street has a particularly apocalyptic feel about it (apart from the unconcerned passers-by). As if the Twin Towers at the Swan House roundabout had just collapsed and the whole area was two seconds away from being filled with smoke, ash and debris.

yes Wilf. That's a very dramatic photo. :)

Cheers
GBDT

.
From this mornings JOURNAL, containing Narrative, Photos, a 'Live Blog' of events, and Video of the fire . . .

Roads reopen after major fire in Byker, Newcastle
Sophie Doughty, The Journal, May 20th 2011


ROADS around the East End of Newcastle have reopened after the major fire at a scrapyard caused chaos.

Investigations are now under way into what caused the blaze, which led to part of Newcastle being evacuated.

An area of Byker was cleared and nearby residents were told to stay inside with their doors and windows closed.

Emergency services were called to Byker Bank at around 12.25pm yesterday. Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen as far away as Middlesbrough, Hexham and the Scottish Borders.

The surrounding area was evacuated as two people were treated by paramedics. One person was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, but their condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

The site on Albion Row, formerly owned by Freddy Shepherd, cousin of the former Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd, was sold a number of years ago.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/05/20/roads-reopen-after-major-fire-in-byker-newcastle-72703-28725518/#ixzz1MsSpsLh3

My photo just before 1.00 on my way to bookbinding
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/lomographer/IMGP2780.jpg

copyright me


LOTS of great photos by people on here, but (as said by Wilf earlier) this one is the best.

It just looks like the fire is about to engulf the City Centre!

Frightening.

The one taken from Neville Street has a particularly apocalyptic feel about it (apart from the unconcerned passers-by). As if the Twin Towers at the Swan House roundabout had just collapsed and the whole area was two seconds away from being filled with smoke, ash and debris.

Yes that one caught my eye, unique photograph and probably the last time Newcastle had a fire of this scale was perhaps the World War 2 aftermath of the bombing of Manors.

Gazza to the rescue.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y121/alzeebub/gazwee.jpg

Revealed: The aftermath of the huge Byker fire
By Sophie Doughty, Evening Chronicle, May 20th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/may2011/5/8/fat-image-3-739388221.jpg

THIS is the aftermath of the devastating inferno that sent clouds of smoke billowing across the Tyneside skyline.

Safety risks were raised after explosive gas cylinders were found close to the flames.

More than 70 firefighters battled to keep the inferno under control until 4am today, while families living nearby were advised to leave their homes or keep windows and doors closed.

As crews tackled the flames, smoke from the blast could be seen from as far as the Scottish Borders and Teesside. But now all that remains at the scrapyard close to the River Ouseburn is a charred wreck.

This morning, as fire officers began an investigation into the cause of the fire, crew manager Damian Boyd, of Fossway fire station, who was part of team this morning, said it was the biggest fire he had seen in his career.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/05/20/revealed-the-aftermath-of-the-huge-byker-fire-72703-28725518/#ixzz1MtlUnZiF

Gazza to the rescue.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y121/alzeebub/gazwee.jpg

The way some folk think! - cracking shot :banana:

Whenever there's a fire on Tyneside you usually have to ask "Who benefits?"

Whenever there's a fire on Tyneside you usually have to ask "Who benefits?"

Exactly, cui bono. Another M.Q.F.

Revealed: The aftermath of the huge Byker fire
By Sophie Doughty, Evening Chronicle, May 20th 2011

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nechronical/may2011/5/8/fat-image-3-739388221.jpg

THIS is the aftermath of the devastating inferno that sent clouds of smoke billowing across the Tyneside skyline.

Safety risks were raised after explosive gas cylinders were found close to the flames.

More than 70 firefighters battled to keep the inferno under control until 4am today, while families living nearby were advised to leave their homes or keep windows and doors closed.
[/url]

Well, they either weren't that explosive or they weren't that close. Did they explode or are they about to explode? Or is the 'safety risk' over? Come on Chronicle, spill the beans, lives are at risk here.....

Oh right, just more sensationalist BS reporting from your crack team of amateurs. As you were, citizens of Ouseburn.

Glad you all liked my photo:) I was a bit disappointed when I checked it on my camera but it does look better on a PC screen. I was hoping I'd get a better shot the closer I moved to the Lit & Phil as I wanted to get the St Nicks spire closer...but by the time I took the next photos the clouds weren't as dramatic, My initial view when I walked down Bewick St was awesome.

first comment I heard was along the lines of.." aye, it's a bit costly recycling them fridges..much cheaper to.....":)


Are we going to have to refer to it as 519 or 195?

Incidently, one of my fellow bookbinders was the first copper on the scene at the Callers fire

Glad you all liked my photo:) I was a bit disappointed when I checked it on my camera but it does look better on a PC screen.

Incidently, one of my fellow bookbinders was the first copper on the scene at the Callers fire


Wow, have you (has HE?) seen this post?

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=982536

I presume that this Scrapyard Fire means that the '1935 Jubilee Brick Wall' is a goner.

Have to get down and see if I can get some.

.

I'm sure I posted this earlier, unless my post mysteriously disappeared...

The BEST Byker Fire picture by far... :lol:

http://twitpic.com/4zrkvf

The BEST Byker Fire picture by far...Hah Hah!
I saw that 'person' too. Trying to cycle their bike-thing along the pavement past the Tanners Arms. It (the bike-thing) struck the Tanners and came to a stop.
How difficult is it to cycle without hitting things?

I presume all this means that the '1935 Jubilee Brick' wall is a goner. Have to get down and see if I can get some.

Still standing and the path outside was getting re-tarmaced this moning

I presume all this means that the '1935 Jubilee Brick' wall is a goner. Have to get down and see if I can get some.

Added to those with the hob nail imprints made by workers walking over the bricks before they were fired. :)

Investigators search for clues into
cause of Byker scrapyard fire
by Andrew Glover, Evening Chronicle, May 21st 2011


THE search for vital clues into what sparked the Byker blaze is ongoing today.

Investigators spent yesterday at the scrapyard where the enormous fire started as they tried to piece together the reason behind the inferno. Firefighters said the incident was the most difficult they had dealt with in their careers as bosses praised them for their response.

Fire service area manager Alan Robson said: “This was a very intense and difficult incident and the fire developed very quickly, making it difficult to deal with. “Our firefighters did extremely well to bring it under control as quickly as they did.”

Northumbria Police confirmed yesterday that no-one was evacuated from their homes and that businesses around the Byker Bank area were getting back to normal yesterday.

Susan Tron, 41, is the manager of Stepney Bank Stables, on Stepney Bank, close to where the fire started. Staff at the stables did not realise what was unfolding until they were swamped with phone calls and emails from people worried about the horses.

Susan described the bizarre scenes caused by the number of onlookers who rushed to the area. “There were people having picnics and ice creams, it was like a street party atmosphere.


Read More - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/05/21/investigators-search-for-clues-into-cause-of-byker-scrapyard-fire-72703-28736942/#ixzz1Mzb1Ilys

what's the '1935 Jubilee Brick wall'?

It's the long, high brick wall on the north side of Quality Row with the scrapyard behind it. Quite a number of the bricks are stamped with a crude image of a king's head and the date 1935, to celebrate the silver jubilee of George V in 1935; and as Steve points out, on others you can see the imprints of hobnails made by the boots of brick kiln workers.

It's the long, high brick wall on the north side of Quality Row with the scrapyard behind it. Quite a number of the bricks are stamped with a crude image of a king's head and the date 1935, to celebrate the silver jubilee of George V in 1935; and as Steve points out, on others you can see the imprints of hobnails made by the boots of brick kiln workers.

And such was the reverence to the occasion by the bricklayers that most of the commemorative bricks are upside down.

I'm sure I'm right but aren't there commemorative bricks from a different period on the wall of the building on the other side of Ford Street?

It's the long, high brick wall on the north side of Quality Row with the scrapyard behind it. Quite a number of the bricks are stamped with a crude image of a king's head and the date 1935, to celebrate the silver jubilee of George V in 1935; and as Steve points out, on others you can see the imprints of hobnails made by the boots of brick kiln workers.

Went past Ford Street today and stopped off to record the bricks - sad I know, but hey, it was a nice sunny day :)

Commemorative bricks for the Royal Jubilee of King George V and Queen May, 1910-1935 are in the walls on both sides of Ford Street but on the East side they are from the Birtley Brick Works and on the West from the Tanfield Brick Works, both manufactured by Swinburne & Sons.

Birtley Brick Works
http://www.fototime.com/5A501F7908E141B/orig.jpg

Upside down commemorative brick and hobnail boot imprint
http://www.fototime.com/45E86D8A5D694D6/orig.jpg

Hobnail boot imprint
http://www.fototime.com/87964FE4E58192F/orig.jpg

Length of wall on East side of Ford Street
http://www.fototime.com/18E8691CC884BCE/orig.jpg

Tanfield Brick Works
http://www.fototime.com/4A54D671FEEDDE0/orig.jpg

This commemorative brick is in the Victoria Tunnel - Crawhall Road, World War 2 Shelter alteration:

http://www.fototime.com/7A410F6066E8A04/orig.jpg

Byker Scrapyard fire was an accident
by Joanne Butcher, The Journal, May 28th 2011


SPARKS from a piece of machinery ignited the enormous blaze which ripped through a Newcastle scrapyard last week, investigators have revealed.

Fire experts have spent a week scouring the Byker yard to identify what caused the fire but ruled out any suspicious causes.

They say the inferno was started by accident, as a result of sparks being generated when a mechanical grabber was used to pick up and move combustible materials covered in flammable liquids.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/05/28/byker-fire-was-an-accident-61634-28778702/#ixzz1NdgDZiu0

Copies of all the above posts about the 'Byker Scrapyard Fire' have also been placed onto the Byker Area - Developments thread.

Rail engineers emark on £10m Ouseburn Viaduct scheme
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, June 3rf 2011


FATHER and son architects John and Benjamin Green didn’t do ordinary as they crafted what would become Tyneside landmarks.

Their efforts in Newcastle included Grey’s Monument, the Theatre Royal – and the 918ft long 1839 Ouseburn Viaduct which now carries the main East Coast railway line.

Now Network Rail engineers are tackling the £10m challenge of giving the Grade II-star listed bridge a new lease of life.

Dave Lugsden, Network Rail programme engineering manager for the North East and Scotland, yesterday said: “It is a superb historical structure but it is a difficult job as it is one of the most complex structures on the UK railway network.”

The bridge is currently being cocooned in scaffolding for a job which will last until the end of March next year.

The Ouseburn viaduct, and its twin bridge, at Willington Quay, North Tyneside, were originally built between 1837-39 in the new material of laminated timber.

This was replaced in 1869 with an exact copy of the complicated structure but in wrought iron, while keeping the original stone approaches and piers.

The rail deck of the Newcastle viaduct, which has five main arches, is 108ft above the River Ouseburn.

Engineers have been studying the structure for the last 10 years to understand its complexities.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/06/03/new-life-for-landmark-61634-28812597/#ixzz1OCQtyd3v

Rail engineers emark on £10m Ouseburn Viaduct scheme
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, June 3rf 2011

FATHER and son architects John and Benjamin Green didn’t do ordinary as they crafted what would become Tyneside landmarks.

Their efforts in Newcastle included Grey’s Monument, the Theatre Royal – and the 918ft long 1839 Ouseburn Viaduct which now carries the main East Coast railway line.

Now Network Rail engineers are tackling the £10m challenge of giving the Grade II-star listed bridge a new lease of life.

Dave Lugsden, Network Rail programme engineering manager for the North East and Scotland, yesterday said: “It is a superb historical structure but it is a difficult job as it is one of the most complex structures on the UK railway network.”

The bridge is currently being cocooned in scaffolding for a job which will last until the end of March next year.

The Ouseburn viaduct, and its twin bridge, at Willington Quay, North Tyneside, were originally built between 1837-39 in the new material of laminated timber.

This was replaced in 1869 with an exact copy of the complicated structure but in wrought iron, while keeping the original stone approaches and piers.

The rail deck of the Newcastle viaduct, which has five main arches, is 108ft above the River Ouseburn.

Engineers have been studying the structure for the last 10 years to understand its complexities.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/06/03/new-life-for-landmark-61634-28812597/#ixzz1OCQtyd3v

Indeed a marvellous piece of civil engineering - one the 'dares' (challenges) for the children of the area of Ouseburn,Byker,Heaton and Shieldfield for many years, probably since the viaduct was built is to climb from one end to the other on the underside.

http://www.fototime.com/7282FA5FA989573/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/778333E9E927AAB/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/EED9DC50E58D0F1/orig.jpg

I got this photo of the scaffolding up around the Ouseburn Viaduct, from todays (3rd June 2011) hard-copy of The Journal.

It was not in the on-line version.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/OuseburnViaductScaffolding-3rdJune2011.jpg

I was round the Ouseburn today and came across a couple of guys finishing off three information plaques on the new walkway down to the mouth of the Ouse. One of them said 'this is a great city'! Just then another guy turned up who said he was from 1NG. He said the walkway needs a fence along the cleared land and the lighting finished off and then it will be open. So you will be able to walk uninterrupted from the Cluny to the Tyne Bar! As far as the Toffee Factory is concerned the brickwork is now being done. The bricks look as though they do fit in with the surrounding brick which is good.

.

An update on the Ouseburn Walkway, look s very close to completion but a metal barrier is blocking it off at the moment - this snap taken yesterday. Beggar belief but a family out for a stroll with very young children actually moved the barrier out of the way and proceeded along the path :ohno:

http://www.fototime.com/28392A7485A854B/orig.jpg

One small teaser - what were the stone blocks in the foreground used for?

Were they bridge piers?
The land to the left of your picture Steve now looks cleared, so just waiting for the fencing. I have wandered round here a lot over the next few months and it is certainly changing fast. However, the Ouseburn has always been empty even though the tide was up. I thought the barrage was supposed to stabalise the river level? Anyone have any information?

Were they bridge piers?
The land to the left of your picture Steve now looks cleared, so just waiting for the fencing. I have wandered round here a lot over the next few months and it is certainly changing fast. However, the Ouseburn has always been empty even though the tide was up. I thought the barrage was supposed to stabalise the river level? Anyone have any information?

Now I always thought they were the piers from the old Ouseburn Bridge but was told by folk with more knowledge of the Valley that they are the remains of the bases from cranes.

The barrage has been used in recent months to keep as much water as possible out of the burn floor so that workers could repair the Quay Wall along the 'riverside walk'. Evidently they have had dumper trucks and diggers travelling along the empty bed of the Burn but all fixed now and the Barrage is back in action.

The barrage has been used in recent months to keep as much water as possible out of the burn floor so that workers could repair the Quay Wall along the 'riverside walk'.

Evidently they have had dumper trucks and diggers travelling along the empty bed of the Burn but all fixed now and the Barrage is back in action.


Out of interest, there are some excellent photos of the construction of the barrage, here . . .


There is an interesting LINK here, to an entire series of photos and plans, showing the construction (stage by stage) of the Ouseburn Barrage.

http://newcastlephotos.blogspot.com/2008/05/ouseburn-barrage.html
.

Were they bridge piers?
The land to the left of your picture Steve now looks cleared, so just waiting for the fencing. I have wandered round here a lot over the next few months and it is certainly changing fast. However, the Ouseburn has always been empty even though the tide was up. I thought the barrage was supposed to stabalise the river level? Anyone have any information?

The Ouseburn had quite a tide on it here's a couple of timelapses showing the tides

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEQv9UzMqow

the second one is a slight cheat as it's on the tyne as well but you can see the tide flow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7npNPmw4WKY

Beggar belief but a family out for a stroll with very young children actually moved the barrier out of the way and proceeded along the path :ohno:

[

We walked along to the barrier recently, the path looks ok to walk but I bottled moving the fence, too scared of getting chased by the gadgie!

I've heard reports of work (most likely a repaint) commencing on the Ouseburn Railway Viaduct with scaffolding erected. Can anyone confirm this?

Yeah upkeep and restoration.

I read that here on local news....forget which....

I've heard reports of work (most likely a repaint) commencing on the Ouseburn Railway Viaduct with scaffolding erected. Can anyone confirm this?Yes, they took over the site a few months ago and have cleared the land beneath the whole viaduct. The scaffolding and protection is in place around the westernmost arch and work has commenced. I estimate it will take them all year.

I've heard reports of work (most likely a repaint) commencing on the Ouseburn Railway Viaduct with scaffolding erected. Can anyone confirm this?


Yes, the below from 'Post 237' earlier in the thread, explains what is happening . .


Rail engineers emark on £10m Ouseburn Viaduct scheme
by Tony Henderson, The Journal, June 3rd 2011


FATHER and son architects John and Benjamin Green didn’t do ordinary as they crafted what would become Tyneside landmarks.

Their efforts in Newcastle included Grey’s Monument, the Theatre Royal – and the 918ft long 1839 Ouseburn Viaduct which now carries the main East Coast railway line.

Now Network Rail engineers are tackling the £10m challenge of giving the Grade II-star listed bridge a new lease of life.

Dave Lugsden, Network Rail programme engineering manager for the North East and Scotland, yesterday said: “It is a superb historical structure but it is a difficult job as it is one of the most complex structures on the UK railway network.”

The bridge is currently being cocooned in scaffolding for a job which will last until the end of March next year.

The Ouseburn viaduct, and its twin bridge, at Willington Quay, North Tyneside, were originally built between 1837-39 in the new material of laminated timber.

This was replaced in 1869 with an exact copy of the complicated structure but in wrought iron, while keeping the original stone approaches and piers.

The rail deck of the Newcastle viaduct, which has five main arches, is 108ft above the River Ouseburn.

Engineers have been studying the structure for the last 10 years to understand its complexities.


Read More - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/06/03/new-life-for-landmark-61634-28812597/#ixzz1OCQtyd3v

I got this photo of the scaffolding up around the Ouseburn Viaduct, from todays (3rd June 2011) hard-copy of The Journal.

It was not in the on-line version.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/manorpark_photos/Newcastle%203/OuseburnViaductScaffolding-3rdJune2011.jpg

I've heard reports of work (most likely a repaint) commencing on the Ouseburn Railway Viaduct with scaffolding erected. Can anyone confirm this?

Talking to one of the planning officers on Monday. He was at a site meeting on the bridge when a train went past (slowly!), he says the whole bridge moved from side to side. It needs more that a new paint job!:lol:

Cheers
GBDT

Talking to one of the planning officers on Monday. He was at a site meeting on the bridge when a train went past (slowly!), he says the whole bridge moved from side to side. It needs more that a new paint job!:lol:

Cheers
GBDT


Yes, the main work is to "strengthen" the bridge (as the above article explains) to extend its life by another 50 or 60 years or so, as some of the wrought iron in the bridge was actually made 140 years ago!