A Quay feature of city's identity

A new exhibition marks the 40th anniversary of the rebirth of Newcastle Quayside. Tony Henderson reports.

- Tony Henderson

A view of Newcastle Quayside and the bridges across the River Tyne circa 1936

TODAY, Newcastle Quayside is a vibrant and much photographed part of the city.

Against a backdrop of famous bridges, it mixes bars and restaurants with theatre, commercial use, historic and landmark buildings such as the Crown Court.

It has always been central to the city's identity, with a past of industrial use and a flow of shipping carrying goods to and from the port.

But as the city - and country - deindustrialised in the 1960s and 1970s, the Quayside fell into decline, decay and widespread dereliction.

Then came regeneration, and this year the Quayside celebrates the 40th anniversary of its rebirth which is marked by an exhibition at the Sir Terry Farrell centre at Newcastle University, which runs until December 18.

The project involved many partners, but at its core was the strategic oversight of the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation, the place-making expertise of developers Amec - now known as Muse - and the urban vision of the late architect and Newcastle University graduate Sir Terry Farrell, who oversaw the masterplan.

The exhibition brings together a range of archive materials that reveal the ideas and aspirations that shaped the regeneration plan and the individuals and organisations who drove them forward.

A new specially commissioned film explores what made the project so successful, reintegrating the Quayside into the city and creating the attractive zone it is today.

You can watch the newly commissioned film produced by WithLove Studio and the LDN Collective here: https://vimeo.com/1168420597.