Grey Street Gathering for NE1

Pop-up parks, programmes and interventions are becoming more and more popular across the globe due to being relatively quick and inexpensive means of transforming established public realm or as a ‘meanwhile use’ in phased regeneration that can add dynamism, footfall, economic impact and local pride through improving the city environment.

This far-reaching power is recognised and harnessed by NE1, Newcastle Upon Tyne’s international award winning Business Improvement District company whose work attracts and promotes both businesses in the city centre and the region itself with projects that enhance the whole experience of the city.

Colour work closely with NE1 and were delighted to support in the design and contract administration of the Grey Street Gathering, a Summer season pop-up park situated in the Georgian grandeur of Grey Street in Grainger Town, the historic heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. Grey Street was the Academy of Urbanism’s 2010 Great Street Award winner.

The park not only introduces green breathing space and relaxation space to the city centre with lush planting, seasonal flowers, the buzzing of bees and street trees creating the setting for both formal and informal seating, but a venue for an NE1 programme of events throughout the day and week.

As well as providing a chill out zone for people to use at their leisure, NE1 organised an active programme of free art, exercise, history and heritage lectures and creative sessions.

To celebrate the launch and to start as the Grey Street Gathering meant to go on, FREE, early morning Tai Chi and Yoga sessions were held at the park for the public to enjoy, HIIT Bodyweight fitness sessions on Saturdays and on Sunday afternoons, Mindfulness and Meditation.

Other events and activities are planned for the park including history and heritage talks, creative arts sessions and tutorials and sports and fitness for all ages.

The park is to be reinstalled every Spring and stored over Winter. This year it's relaunch has been featured on ITV News.

Images 1-3 courtesy of NE1.

Client

NE1

Project Team

Contractor - Lumsden & Carroll Civil Engineering

Location

Newcastle upon Tyne

Stage

After a very successful first year, Grey Street Gathering is due to be reinstalled from April 2019, with Colour providing project administration services

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